Toppers Unite

[alanfgag]

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.

I haven't met a gibus frame that didn't collapse successfully, but of course caution would be prudent if you try it. There is not much need unless your local opera house demands that hats be collapsed when checked. 8^) If and when you do collapse the mechanism you will understand why the kid sweatband is constructed in the way that it is. The silk and leather is a one piece sleeve to allow it to fold into the mechanism predictably and return to shape when opened. It is really quite an interesting invention - from the 1840s I believe and in use for a century.

My opera hats have the same tapered form and fit small for the size. They are also quite heavy with the steel framework which adds to the odd sense of balance on the head. I have yet to wear one outside the house. Waiting for the right invitation!

 

[TheOldFashioned]

I haven't met a gibus frame that didn't collapse successfully, but of course caution would be prudent if you try it. There is not much need unless your local opera house demands that hats be collapsed when checked. 8^) If and when you do collapse the mechanism you will understand why the kid sweatband is constructed in the way that it is. The silk and leather is a one piece sleeve to allow it to fold into the mechanism predictably and return to shape when opened. It is really quite an interesting invention - from the 1840s I believe and in use for a century.

My opera hats have the same tapered form and fit small for the size. They are also quite heavy with the steel framework which adds to the odd sense of balance on the head. I have yet to wear one outside the house. Waiting for the right invitation!

I had to look up gibus which eventually led me to a site that included a drawing from Gabriel Gibus' patent. Quite an ingenuitive design.

We don't have a local opera house in my city though we do have a symphony. My wife and I used to attend semi-regularly, and we even dressed up a bit more for opening night of the season. I'll have to dig my tux out of storage now that I have a proper hat to go with it. (Edit: After some more reading this appears to be somewhat incorrect usage. Removing foot from mouth.) I'm also thinking I might try wearing the hat around the Christmas holiday season with my winter overcoat.

 

[Steve1857]

Hopefully, I'm starting the next generation of top hat lovers and wearers. A pre-Christmas present to my youngest daughter [emoji145].

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[Rmccamey]

Looks like a smashing good time, Steve. You are teaching your youngest some of the finer things in life! Merry Christmas to you both.

Hopefully, I'm starting the next generation of top hat lovers and wearers. A pre-Christmas present to my youngest daughter [emoji145].

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[deadlyhandsome]

Hopefully, I'm starting the next generation of top hat lovers and wearers. A pre-Christmas present to my youngest daughter [emoji145].

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Your photos made me smile. Thank you; you both look great!


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[Steve1857]

Looks like a smashing good time, Steve. You are teaching your youngest some of the finer things in life! Merry Christmas to you both.

Thanks, Randy. The same to you, my friend [emoji145]

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[Steve1857]

Your photos made me smile. Thank you; you both look great!


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Thank you, Brent. Glad we brightened your day [emoji4]

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[steur]

Hopefully, I'm starting the next generation of top hat lovers and wearers. A pre-Christmas present to my youngest daughter [emoji145].

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Very cool pics. Don't think dad can be any more pleased.

 

[alanfgag]

Hopefully, I'm starting the next generation of top hat lovers and wearers. A pre-Christmas present to my youngest daughter [emoji145].

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Daughters and hats... definitely the best!

 

[Steve1857]

Daughters and hats... definitely the best!

Ain't that the truth [emoji4] [emoji145]

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[PanosChris]

Scheduled appointment today before work has resulted in this one

Quite unsure if I can pull it off but I needed to have one, I think... well FL is a great place

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[Steve1857]

Scheduled appointment today before work has resulted in this one

Quite unsure if I can pull it off but I needed to have one, I think... well FL is a great place

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Oh my, man, you pull it off so well. Fantastic casual look with a formal topper, Panos. Looks great. Can we see the inside? Where did you catch it?

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[steur]

Scheduled appointment today before work has resulted in this one

Quite unsure if I can pull it off but I needed to have one, I think... well FL is a great place

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It is a good looking one. Congrats on that catch, Panos.

 

[PanosChris]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. It came from local hunting Steve. Condition is great

Local maker too but no more info for the time being. Need to do my homework on it

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[Steve1857]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. It came from local hunting Steve. Condition is great

Local maker too but no more info for the time being. Need to do my homework on it

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An absolutely perfect find, Panos. Congrats. I hope you find some more info about Ulness Hatter of Oslo. My guess would be that it was made by someone else and the hatter had their name put on it. It's not unusual, and it in no way detracts from the quality of that wonderful silk top hat. Glad you found one, my friend. I believe it was meant to be [emoji145]

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[Steve1857]

 

[quikrick]

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EXCELLENT Steve!

 

[Steve1857]

EXCELLENT Steve!

Thank you, Rick

 

[steur]

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Super! Is that a new one, Steve?

 

[Steve1857]

Super! Is that a new one, Steve?

Thanks, Stefan. Not new. It's the one I acquired last year with all the wonderful provenance of the Danish doctor who became an Oxford professor and helped develop breathing apparatus for WWI pilots.
I like to showboat it every so often