Toppers Unite

[Cornshucker77]

I thought you looked just dandy, Scott. Probably look even better in the right attire.

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Thanks Steve. Probably would look better with a proper set of clothes.

 

[Steve1857]

Thanks Steve. Probably would look better with a proper set of clothes.

That top hat looks very top quality, Scott. As Stefan said, they were often worn higher on the head back in the day, so you shouldn't worry too much about the smaller size. Just enjoy you've got a piece of history [emoji145]

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[Steve1857]

That top hat looks very top quality, Scott. As Stefan said, they were often worn higher on the head back in the day, so you shouldn't worry too much about the smaller size. Just enjoy you've got a piece of history [emoji145]

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Here's my recently purchased early 1900s silk top hat worn high, Scott. Oh, how it pinches, but I'm so glad I have it in my collection [emoji4]

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[alanfgag]

Here's my recently purchased early 1900s silk top hat worn high, Scott. Oh, how it pinches, but I'm so glad I have it in my collection [emoji4]

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Excellent! I have yet to find a top hat that feels great on my head.

 

[Cornshucker77]

Here's my recently purchased early 1900s silk top hat worn high, Scott. Oh, how it pinches, but I'm so glad I have it in my collection [emoji4]

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You look great Steve. Maybe it's my self perception, but a former farm kid from Nebraska (me) in a Topper just doesn't look quite right. I'm better suited for Cowboy hats.

 

[BobHufford]

@Cornshucker77 Maybe you need to accessorize the hat until you're comfortable.

 

[Steve1857]

You look great Steve. Maybe it's my self perception, but a former farm kid from Nebraska (me) in a Topper just doesn't look quite right. I'm better suited for Cowboy hats.

And you look so good in them, Scott. However, you didn't look wrong in your top hat either. You're right though, it's all about perception.

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[Cornshucker77]

And you look so good in them, Scott. However, you didn't look wrong in your top hat either. You're right though, it's all about perception.

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Ha, thanks.

 

[Cornshucker77]

@Cornshucker77 Maybe you need to accessorize the hat until you're comfortable.

View attachment 181256

You might be right Bob. I would look great at a Big and Rich concert!!

 

[Steinbockhase]

First time I've seen such unique forehead air-vents on a top hat; looks like a tin plate inlay?
Very good looking topper in astounding good condition.

 

[alanfgag]

First time I've seen such unique forehead air-vents on a top hat; looks like a tin plate inlay?
Very good looking topper in astounding good condition.

Thank you... first time for me as well. Not sure of the material. I had thought leather, but it might well be metal. I haven't poked it for a better guess...

 

[Steve1857]

This one arrived today. Far too small, but I knew it would be. I bought it because of its historic interest.

Hard to date, but probably inter war years somewhere between the 1920s and the late 1930s.

Silk top hat, missing its ribbon, and no silk binding on the brim.

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[Steve1857]

Originally sold at the still existant Petitgas hat shop in midtown Copenhagen, founded in 1857, the same year as Borsalino.

The coat of arms suggest it was made in the City of London, but that might be what the maker wants you to think.

Nice touch were the original coat of arms helmet from a knight's suit of armour has been changed to a top hat.

It came with a non original brush and strange looking polishing key ring pad.

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[Steinbockhase]

Originally sold at the still existant Petitgas hat shop in midtown Copenhagen, founded in 1857, the same year as Borsalino.

The coat of arms suggest it was made in the City of London, but that might be what the maker wants you to think.

Nice touch were the original coat of arms helmet from a knight's suit of armour has been changed to a top hat.

It came with a non original brush and strange looking polishing key ring pad.

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Very nice; too bad you can't wear it.
Such Toppers in good condition are hard to find above size 57 cm; and then they get very expensive.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

1930s Stetson top hat:


Specs:

5-9/16 Crown
1-7/8 Brim (front)
11/16 Ribbon
2-3/4 Sweatband
9.2oz Weight​

If this isn't deadstock you could probably count on one hand how many times this hat has been worn. There is the slightest bit of tarnish on the gold embossed size tag, otherwise the hat is in flawless condition. The box has been wonderfully preserved as well.

After digging through this thread some more it seems to be very similar to an opera hat posted by @alanfgag. Additional information from @alanfgag in the Pre-1940 Stetson Dress Hats thread. I'll have to spend some more time with the hat and see if it is collapsible.

I may have had a little bit of buyer's remorse initially, but after seeing this in person and holding in my hands I'm glad I went for it. Bonus knowing that @alanfgag has one too as we all know how wonderful his collection is.

 

[Steve1857]

1930s Stetson top hat:
View attachment 185233 View attachment 185234
View attachment 185237 View attachment 185235
Specs:

5-9/16 Crown
1-7/8 Brim (front)
11/16 Ribbon
2-3/4 Sweatband
9.2oz Weight​

If this isn't deadstock you could probably count on one hand how many times this hat has been worn. There is the slightest bit of tarnish on the gold embossed size tag, otherwise the hat is in flawless condition. The box has been wonderfully preserved as well.

After digging through this thread some more it seems to be very similar to an opera hat posted by @alanfgag. Additional information from @alanfgag in the Pre-1940 Stetson Dress Hats thread. I'll have to spend some more time with the hat and see if it is collapsible.

I may have had a little bit of buyer's remorse initially, but after seeing this in person and holding in my hands I'm glad I went for it. Bonus knowing that @alanfgag has one too as we all know how wonderful his collection is.

What a great find. Congrats on both hat and box. What is it made of? The "join-line" in the middle suggests to me this is indeed a collapsible opera hat.

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[TheOldFashioned]

What a great find. Congrats on both hat and box. What is it made of? The "join-line" in the middle suggests to me this is indeed a collapsible opera hat.

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Thanks, Steve. From the pictures if looked to be in excellent condition, but I wasn't expecting it to be pretty much flawless. I've been passively looking at top hats for a whiile. I had been looking more at the meluisine ones but they usually range from just OK to poor condition. I believe this one is grosgrain satin/silk (please forgive my lack of material knowledge):

 

[steur]

1930s Stetson top hat:
View attachment 185233 View attachment 185234
View attachment 185237 View attachment 185235
Specs:

5-9/16 Crown
1-7/8 Brim (front)
11/16 Ribbon
2-3/4 Sweatband
9.2oz Weight​

If this isn't deadstock you could probably count on one hand how many times this hat has been worn. There is the slightest bit of tarnish on the gold embossed size tag, otherwise the hat is in flawless condition. The box has been wonderfully preserved as well.

After digging through this thread some more it seems to be very similar to an opera hat posted by @alanfgag. Additional information from @alanfgag in the Pre-1940 Stetson Dress Hats thread. I'll have to spend some more time with the hat and see if it is collapsible.

I may have had a little bit of buyer's remorse initially, but after seeing this in person and holding in my hands I'm glad I went for it. Bonus knowing that @alanfgag has one too as we all know how wonderful his collection is.

Great find, Jonathan. I'm with Steve on this one and think it's indeed a collapsible. Mind how you go with trying to collapse it though, because it's easy to damage the fabric that way.

 

[alanfgag]

1930s Stetson top hat:
View attachment 185233 View attachment 185234
View attachment 185237 View attachment 185235
Specs:

5-9/16 Crown
1-7/8 Brim (front)
11/16 Ribbon
2-3/4 Sweatband
9.2oz Weight​

If this isn't deadstock you could probably count on one hand how many times this hat has been worn. There is the slightest bit of tarnish on the gold embossed size tag, otherwise the hat is in flawless condition. The box has been wonderfully preserved as well.

After digging through this thread some more it seems to be very similar to an opera hat posted by @alanfgag. Additional information from @alanfgag in the Pre-1940 Stetson Dress Hats thread. I'll have to spend some more time with the hat and see if it is collapsible.

I may have had a little bit of buyer's remorse initially, but after seeing this in person and holding in my hands I'm glad I went for it. Bonus knowing that @alanfgag has one too as we all know how wonderful his collection is.

Wonderful find and no doubt a gibus frame collapsible opera hat. It is very similar to the one I have though yours appears to have been sold at the Stetson retail store on Chestnut Street and has the traditional 1930s metallic size tag. I believe mine came with the same paper box, though it smelled so strongly of old cigarette smoke that I had to get rid of it. Congratulations on finding one in an ample size - does it fit you well?

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Great find, Jonathan. I'm with Steve on this one and think it's indeed a collapsible. Mind how you go with trying to collapse it though, because it's easy to damage the fabric that way.

Thanks, Stefan! Other than for the novelty and to satisfy a curiosity I don't really foresee a need to collapse it. I'm not sure the risk v. reward warrants making the attempt. I'm quite happy the way it is!

Wonderful find and no doubt a gibus frame collapsible opera hat. It is very similar to the one I have though yours appears to have been sold at the Stetson retail store on Chestnut Street and has the traditional 1930s metallic size tag. I believe mine came with the same paper box, though it smelled so strongly of old cigarette smoke that I had to get rid of it. Congratulations on finding one in an ample size - does it fit you well?

Thanks, Alan! I was very pleasantly surprised when I found your post for yours last night. The Chesnut Street address was the first clue I noticed that caused me to take a closer look at this particular piece. I have to admit, I am ever so slightly disappointed the sweat is completely sewn closed. I think I remember that it's somewhat common for there to be a date stamp found on the back side for hats sold at the retail store. As you pointed out in your post, however, even the sweat is a different leather than typically used. I was hoping to pinpoint the age a little more, but I'll have to settle for knowing that the gold foil tag is associated with the 30s.

The sizing/fit is...weird. It's tagged for 7-1/4. It measures 8" x 6.5", if not a little on the high side. Yet, it's almost like there is a taper that causes it to fit tight as it's put on the head. It doesn't feel tight like trying to put on a 7-1/8, it's a different feeling. Hopefully that makes sense. It doesn't fit poorly, it just fits different than any other hat I've worn. As such it does sit a little higher on my head, but looking back through here it sounds like that was more in line with how top hats were worn. If that's the case then I'm more than fine with it being closer to period correct.