Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BE979.6.1235.1 |
Object Name |
Hat, Top |
Description |
A man's black top hat made in France by A. Cassé. Black dyed beaver fur covers the outside of the hat, the rim is slightly curved at the sides. A light brown leather band runs along the inside the hat that is stamped with the company's seal: 'France, Cassé, Lese Marque'. A shiny beige silk fabric covers the inside of the hat above the leather band with the company's logo stamped on the hat's top with black ink. A small bow tie of the same silk fabric is on the leather band at the back of the hat. A beige paper tag with black ink is attached to the leather band with these markings: 'Foto Fit conformed for comfort size by North the Hatter'. |
Year Range from |
1908 |
Year Range to |
1910 |
Dimensions |
H-13.6 W-26 L-32 cm |
History |
Hat most likely belonged to Arthur Beveridge Harris (1843-1932) of Benares. He was the only surviving son of Elizabeth and Captain James Beveridge Harris. He married Mary Magrath and together they raised two daughters, Annie and Naomi. Arthur was a gentleman farmer and active member of St. Peter's Anglican Church. Arthur's grandson, Geoffrey Sayers, later inherited the hat and had it cleaned and repaired by North the Hatter, a well-known and respected factory for cleaning and restoring all types of headwear. Top hats are a style of men's hats that was first introduced during the early 1800s. Worn throughout the Victorian era by men of all social classes and for all types of social occasions. Initially worn as part of formal daywear until the introduction of the bowler or Derby hat during the 1850s. Top hats would later be exclusively worn with a dress suit. Reference: 'A Fashionable History of Hats & Hairstyles' by Helen Reynold. Published 2003 by David West Children's Books |
People |
Harris, Arthur |