Silk? It is hairy, though. Definite long hair. I can actually grab the hair and pull it away from the knap (not pulling it out of the hat, tho, lol) I assumed it was beaver. I am thoroughly unfamiliar with toppers and their construction, though.
That type of sweatband is very characteristic in Equestrian hats. I know that there has been a few examples of this type of hat posted here on the lounge, I just can't find the threads where there was some talk about them. I believe they are a form of riding hat even though they are not stiff. Possibly not so much riding but presentation? The material is silk, not beaver and I believe the hat dates to around the turn of the century. Maybe not 1890's, but certainly pre-1920.
Heres a picture of my 1930's Stetson Equestrian Derby with the same kind of fabric band with a tightening string.
We've seen these before. Don't know how old yours is, but a similar, lower-crowned (newer?) version was worn by female Yeomen in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Compare its ribbon to yours.
Very... tho maybe someone added all the three ribbons later? Or perhaps it was a style for ladies in the general public for a short time in the early 1900s?
It is an interesting piece, anyway. Goes well with some of my more offbeat hats.
But that's a heck of a ribbon/bow treatment on yours, HE!
Lefty, thanks for posting the link to that old thread. Sadly, the phone number I found for the store my (wife's) hat came from is not in service. I've found two addresses for it with the one phone number. I'm not sure when they went out of business. I may try sending a note to the address in hopes it gets forwarded to the former owner.
The answer to the original question above, as to what type of hat this is:
It is a Spanish hat known as a 'Sombrero Cordobés', and is traditionally made in Córdoba Spain. It is favored by male flamenco dancers, for example.
These were ladies' hats, referred to in retail advertisements and industry literature as Silk Sailors. They first seemed to appear in 1892, but their most popular years, judging from the number of newspaper advertisements, were 1914 to 1921.
These were ladies' hats, referred to in retail advertisements and industry literature as Silk Sailors. They first seemed to appear in 1892, but their most popular years, judging from the number of newspaper advertisements, were 1914 to 1921.
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