Toppers Unite

[Rogera]

Yeah, I wouldn't go $300. There are some nice quality ones on the 'bay for less from time to time. Neat find though! I wish I could come across something like that on my hunts!

Likewise! I wish I could come across some of the 20's and 30's finds you have come up with. Hats are few and far between around here. My wife and I went to the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area a few weeks ago and found NOTHING as far as hats. I couldn't believe it. I just knew there would be stuff everywhere. Oh well.

 

[newturnofphrase]

Among black silk plush top hats, price is determined by size > condition/style > brand (in that order of importance). If the size is large, $300 might still be high because the condition is crappy (the edge is worn). However, if it's 7 1/2 or larger, $300 might be a steal as you could get it refurbed and sell it for thousands. Especially since it's a famous brand that is still in business today.

 

[ccorsair]

new maker ID and age posaable on ebay hat

well I found another Vintage hat off ebay and the person selling it under sold it ..I saw a nive Vintage looking top at come up listed at $6 for opening bid i watched it and got it for a bit more but it was nice top hat and thought it would be nice to have in my collection. I got it in and WOW it was in great shape.. and as i bonus I noted what wasn't listed ..It a collapsible top hat.. I sent a message thanking them for a great deal and asked if they knew it was a collapsible top hat? The had no clue how to ID the hat as one and didn't know at all.. If you ever looked at vintage hats on ebay the fist think you note is all collapsible top hat not matter their shape are listing above $100 to $175.. I paid $14.29 plus $6.50 shipping.. it was steal and the best part it fits.. posting links to the pictures still haven't see any other like it with the same crest and type in lining .It's intact folds easy pops up well and look as it may have been stored flat as it look a bit flat on the brim.. Any info would be nice to place the hat at best the maker so I can work with finding the age that way..
Thanks

CC


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6219_zps160e4f34.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6223_zpsdfc59990.jpg
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http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6215_zps5e72d6ec.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6213_zps6cce28d3.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6218_zps9f26ab08.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/cybercorsair/IMG_6216_zps3975f25e.jpg

 

[newturnofphrase]

early 20th century Dunn Co. Top Hat (with original Dunn Co. carrying case)

Hey gents, this got delivered yesterday. Incredible condition, came with a very well-preserved suitcase-style carrying case and two pairs of spats from 100ish years ago, one totally unused and still threaded together like a pair of socks. Never seen a Dunn Co. topper, and the quality/condition is superb. It's a little small for me (7 3/8), so it's going to be a catch and release I'm afraid. Note: if you've been looking for one this size, PM me and we'll talk. Otherwise it goes back on the 'bay next week to find someone of a more suitable head-size.

Here are the pics:

 

[Alon]

Does anyone own an opera hat? Would you be able to model it for us? I'm curious to see how they look compared to the real deal.

Thank you!

 

[Brad Bowers]

Here you go, Alon. This is a Cavanagh Opera Hat from right around 1928-1930 or so. Has the "Cavanagh Make" imprint. This particular hat is very special, as it was owned by Frank T. Stack, longtime superintendent of C&K/Hat Corporation of America before leaving in the early-1940s to start his own hat company, Stack Hats. Frank Stack was also a four-time mayor of Norwalk. Hat comes courtesy of Pat Stack, Frank's last surviving son.

Brad

 

[Alon]

Here you go, Alon. This is a Cavanagh Opera Hat from right around 1928-1930 or so. Has the "Cavanagh Make" imprint. This particular hat is very special, as it was owned by Frank T. Stack, longtime superintendent of C&K/Hat Corporation of America before leaving in the early-1940s to start his own hat company, Stack Hats. Frank Stack was also a four-time mayor of Norwalk. Hat comes courtesy of Pat Stack, Frank's last surviving son.

Brad

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Brad,

Thank you for your reply. That is a brilliant hat!

I'm curious: when worn, is the opera hat at all distinguishable from a regular topper? Is the outline of the metal coils at all visible underneath the satin silk?

 

[Brad Bowers]

The metal frame isn't visible, but it's very easy to distinguish Opera hats by their use of silk fabric rather than hatter's plush. Polished plush shines like no Opera hat could.

Brad

 

[Nick D]

Here's an example. Spot the silk plush hat.

 

[Chasseur]

Last fall I stumbled across this large high silk hat in an antique shop in the South of France. It is about a 59/ 7 3/8". It just got back from a refurb/polish from Patey's. It was made by M. Martin in a hat shop in the North of France. I got it with the idea of replacing my more valuable Dunlap top hat which has the original leather case. But seeing them side by side I like my old Dunlap better so I'll probably let the French hat go. But I thought I'd preserve the day when I had not one large vintage high silk top hat but two!

Here it is next to my 1913 Dunlap high silk:

 

[dhermann1]

Yes, I'd say the Dunlap has a little more curve, a little more je ne sais quoi. Both very nice.

 

[Alon]

I'm the proud new owner of a top hat. My very first.



All the details are still available on the eBay site:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/alter-Chapea...5-/380732552158?ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:DE:1123

 

[ccorsair]

Wow Brad that looks bit like the one I got off ebay..Still trying to ID the maker and age. Figure it could be Opera hat.

 

[Adcurium]

In January, I hope to be elected Master of my Lodge (God and the Craft willing) and if so, I will be wearing a top hat made by William Barton prior to 1830 (based on my best estimate). William Barton was a Lt. Colonel in the revolutionary army and was responsible for capturing British Major General Prescott in Portsmouth, RI. Before and after the war, he worked as a hatter.

 

[Garrett]

Mitchell & Jones topper 1850's

 

[Garrett]

and Under the sweatband....

August 17th 1858 newspaper


With an article on erectile disfunction cures...

 

[Garrett]

It also has a silk mourning band though its detached

 

[Garrett]

Here's the rest of the paper (which I immediately laminated) for those interested:

 

[alanfgag]

Your new additions continue to delight... 7"?

 

[jhe888]

That is quite a hat, Garrett.