Toppers Unite

[DaveProc]

Superior silk top hat in a size 59 (7 3/8 American). Brim at 5cm and crown 14,5cm. Silk hats in larger size are extremely difficult to find. So if one comes along that is not the price of a second hand car I try to buy it. This one came with the box it was sold in as well.

Very nice!

 

[Steve1857]

That is an excellent find, Stefan. Looks to be in very good condition, too. Congrats.

Wish it were my size, nor sadly is it yours. I hope a fellow Lounger buys this one. Preferably a top hat virgin seeking to join our fold

Superior silk top hat in a size 59 (7 3/8 American). Brim at 5cm and crown 14,5cm. Silk hats in larger size are extremely difficult to find. So if one comes along that is not the price of a second hand car I try to buy it. This one came with the box it was sold in as well.

 

[steur]

Very nice!

Thanks, Dave.

That is an excellent find, Stefan. Looks to be in very good condition, too. Congrats.

Wish it were my size, nor sadly is it yours. I hope a fellow Lounger buys this one. Preferably a top hat virgin seeking to join our fold

Thank you, Steve. It is indeed in great shape. I'm sure I'll find a new master for it.

 

[Koechinggendoet]

Hello all seniors in topper,just catch an eye in ebay,is 100£ a good price for a 7 size silk top hat,and what is your opinion on an petersham brim?better in a second buy or can get away as a first buy?

 

[mayserwegener]

Hello all seniors in topper,just catch an eye in ebay,is 100£ a good price for a 7 size silk top hat,and what is your opinion on an petersham brim?better in a second buy or can get away as a first buy?

It's best if the brim binding is Silk or similar quality. Is that English size 7? Do you have photos / link?

 

[Koechinggendoet]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-...q:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is for the 100£ all silk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-...q:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is the petersham brim one

 

[Steve1857]

Hi Koechinggendoet - be nice to have your real name

Of the two, I'd recommend the Austin Reed. It's all silk, the crown looks taller, it has a white sweatband and "liner", it has its original box, and it is a nice piece of early Austin Reed history. Could well be earlier than 1930's. Be interesting to see what's written on the box.

Best wishes - Steve

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Austin-Read-Top-Hat-circa-1937-size-7-57-7cm/184559695082?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=225120&meid=14221e564f8647ddb2a6fabb4d5a2e53&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&mehot=none&sd=184559695082&itm=184559695082&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:54aceb49-3836-11eb-804a-0e425b10ce2d|parentrq:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is for the 100£ all silk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-TOP-HAT-in-excellent-condition-Size-57-cm-Medium-7/233732700422?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=225120&meid=14221e564f8647ddb2a6fabb4d5a2e53&pid=100675&rk=6&rkt=15&mehot=none&sd=184559695082&itm=233732700422&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:54aceb49-3836-11eb-804a-0e425b10ce2d|parentrq:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is the petersham brim one

 

[mayserwegener]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Austin-Read-Top-Hat-circa-1937-size-7-57-7cm/184559695082?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=225120&meid=14221e564f8647ddb2a6fabb4d5a2e53&pid=100675&rk=1&rkt=15&mehot=none&sd=184559695082&itm=184559695082&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:54aceb49-3836-11eb-804a-0e425b10ce2d|parentrq:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is for the 100£ all silk

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-TOP-HAT-in-excellent-condition-Size-57-cm-Medium-7/233732700422?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=225120&meid=14221e564f8647ddb2a6fabb4d5a2e53&pid=100675&rk=6&rkt=15&mehot=none&sd=184559695082&itm=233732700422&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:54aceb49-3836-11eb-804a-0e425b10ce2d|parentrq:3b17604a1760ad3550f6bd97fff94a0e|iid:1=this one is the petersham brim one

As Steve suggests go with the Austin Reed. There is some slight wear to the Silk Plush at the crown edge but that's minor. The other Topper is more expensive and has dents and creases to the Silk Plush + Linen which is a no go.

 

[Koechinggendoet]

Thank You steve and wegener,there was one condition thought,the seller of the austin reed wasnt replying to my message,but i find an german brand,probably a family brand that say carl dunhardi,the crown edge is nice and have very little damage,and the merino underbrim doesnt have any moth attack from my looking,the problem was the body have a creases,big creases,thank you for your opinion

 

[Koechinggendoet]

Almost forgot the picture

 

[Steve1857]

I'd definitely walk away from that one and wait for something much better to turn up.

Almost forgot the picture

 

[Koechinggendoet]

Yep,just hope that the austin reed one is replying my message

 

[Koechinggendoet]

How bout this one?good for my eyes thought and much cheaper

 

[Steve1857]

Better than the last one you posted, but I'd still wait and be patient until something better comes along. No point in buying a second rate top hat unless buying for another reason than to wear.

How bout this one?good for my eyes thought and much cheaper

 

[Koechinggendoet]

This i kinda disagree,the top hat was good enough for me,except for some dust,and top hat prices is year by year is going up,when im have enough money i can start refurbrishing them one by one,piece by piece like the brim binding,the hat bow,sweatband etc etc and finally polishing them.just an opinion

 

[Steve1857]

I didn't mean to offend, and by all means, if you want that top hat, buy it, if the price is right. I couldn't see a price, so can't judge if it's right.

In the end, you have to decide for yourself and damn what anyone else thinks. I was just giving some advice as you sought some.

For what it's worth, I don't always buy perfect either.

This i kinda disagree,the top hat was good enough for me,except for some dust,and top hat prices is year by year is going up,when im have enough money i can start refurbrishing them one by one,piece by piece like the brim binding,the hat bow,sweatband etc etc and finally polishing them.just an opinion

 

[Koechinggendoet]

No,you wasnt gonna offend me and im not feel offended at all,we just have an differences in opinion,your word of advice is great for a first time buyer like me,and im thinking for disagreeing with you was in my matter of preferences and price,everyone is not rich thought,so thankyou for spending your time with me about etc etc.

 

[Steve1857]

I like to think that we're all friends on the FL and try to give the best advice we can. As long as you ask for advice, I'm glad to give it. It's up to you to take it or leave it.

I'm not rich either, just lucky to be able to pick up hats I like at the best price I can.

 

[Koechinggendoet]

What is a mole hair?is it a beaver or other rodent?but from the picture judging it kinda looks like silk

 

[Steve1857]

While referred to as moleskin tophats, no mole was ever involved in the manufacture of these hats. It's the work involved giving the silk plush a longish nap, which looks somewhat like a moles fur, that gives these hats their name.

Sadly, the looms that made this fabric no longer exist and they are therefore no longer in production.