What in blue blazes is this thing?

[Orgetorix]

I stumbled across this hat on Ebay. Seller says it's Victorian, and silk, but I've never seen anything like it.

Anybody know what it is? The closest I can come is a hat I've seen on sailors in late-18th/early-19th century maritime flicks. You know the guys with the red striped shirts and white breeches.

 

[jamespowers]

Its pretty darn old is what it is.
I've seen several and lost one on eBay just a few days ago.

They called it a victorian riverboat gamblers hat but it is just a short crown beaver tophat in most attributes. Your example is likely from the middle 1800s. They were popular at that time.

Regards,

J

 

[MattJH]

I think I saw the hat you're talking about, james. Ended up around $125 or so, yes? It was in our size - I was eyeing it

 

[jamespowers]

I think I saw the hat you're talking about, james. Ended up around $125 or so, yes? It was in our size - I was eyeing it

It ended up going for $160! I would never have thought---or I would have bid higher. :eusa_doh: [huh]

Regards,

J

 

[ideaguy]

BUY IT !

 

[Orgetorix]

BUY IT !

It's not in very good condition.

 

[jamespowers]

It's not in very good condition.

Well, for $5 what do you expect?
Seriously, buy it and then post pictures for us. We'll all avoid bidding.

 

[Orgetorix]

I'm not into spending money on things I won't use. And the only time I can see myself using it is if I dress up as the aforementioned sailor.

 

[DOUGLAS]

If it were my size,it would be mine!

 

[jamespowers]

I'm not into spending money on things I won't use. And the only time I can see myself using it is if I dress up as the aforementioned sailor.

If I bought it, I would have it refurbished as best as possible and use it. It would have to be $5 though.

Regards,

J

 

[jamespowers]

Looking at it again, maybe I will. It might cause some interesting looks when I wear it around town.

Regards,

J

 

[MJL]

I always thought these were called Schooners. I could, of course, be wrong!

 

[jamespowers]

I always thought these were called Schooners. I could, of course, be wrong!

Sounds like as good a name as any. I've seen depictions of sailor wearing them like that.

 

[Dinerman]

would this count? It's also on the bay.

 

[jamespowers]

would this count? It's also on the bay.

Yep, that's another one made in this country.

 

[reetpleat]

I wonder if this is the same type that you see worn by spanish gentlemen in spain and lain america?

 

[Art Fawcett]

Gents, the first hat ( black) is ( my best guess without having it in my hands) is 1850-65 and really IS beaver. By the end of the 1860s this type of hat was made with silk plush rather than beaver.I can't really tell if it's mens or womens as I don't see the placement of the bow. An interesting note on it you can just barely see. Please note the top of the crown where it meets the vertical sides, you can see that it is two piece and sewn just inside the transition. I have in my collection a very similar hat made by Dunlap.
The second hat (brown) appears to be a ladies hat c1900-1915. The height of the crown and the domed top plus rear bow are what gives it away. Knox made some great hats for both men and ladies of the time!!

 

[Stinchcomb]

Gents, the first hat ( black) is ( my best guess without having it in my hands) is 1850-65 and really IS beaver. By the end of the 1860s this type of hat was made with silk plush rather than beaver.I can't really tell if it's mens or womens as I don't see the placement of the bow. An interesting note on it you can just barely see. Please note the top of the crown where it meets the vertical sides, you can see that it is two piece and sewn just inside the transition. I have in my collection a very similar hat made by Dunlap.
The second hat (brown) appears to be a ladies hat c1900-1915. The height of the crown and the domed top plus rear bow are what gives it away. Knox made some great hats for both men and ladies of the time!!

I by no means know anything about classic hats. I'm a hat nut, but know only what I like.

If Art Fawcett is right. This could be a purchase from someone who is onto "Cowboy Action Shooting". I was very big into that sport before having kids, but still keep up with it. It is causing members to learn and go after antiques from the 19th century including hats. You compete in a timed shooting event, but even more than that a lot of folk get into the authentic dress of the 19th century. I’m sure that is causing some rise in the price of the clothing of that era.

 

[besdor]

I bought a low crown beaver finish top hat last year on Ebay from a person who told me that it was a preachers hat . It was made by Knox and came from a small town in Missouri . I think that they are from the turn of the century .




Steven
www.bencraft.com

 

[Joel Tunnah]

buy them, sure... for your wife.

Those are all women's hats. Look in a Sears catalog from 1900-1920. They look identical.