#2190   Plush Top Hat   c. 1880 

  England      

Materials: Tan plush, buckram, pressed paper and paper lining, leather band, tan gros-grain hat band.

Label: Paper, stamped inside crown:  "Shelton & Co. 12 Margate St. London"

Condition: Fair to Poor. The plush fabric is badly stained, having one 2" X 1" tear on the brim and several smaller holes on the top of the crown. Body of hat needs to be reblocked. 

Measurements: Hat Size, 6 7/8; Crown H, 5.75"; Brim, 2".

Comments: A rare imitation bleached beaver top hat, this hat belongs in a collection of 19th century men's clothing. It possibly dates earlier than 1880.