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This is a fabulous W. Macqueen & Co silk top hat, contained in it's original leather case Circa 1880 in date.
Internal dimensions 19 x 15.5cm in overall good used condition.
W. MacQueen & Co. Ltd. London, Extra Best Quality, Bond St, London
and is labeled H. P. Snewin
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 25 x Width 31 x Depth 36
Dimensions in inches:
Height 10 inches x Width 1 foot, 0 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches
Our reference: 08365
Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
The top hat dominated the 19th century and when it was first seen in London it was said to have caused a riot.
The perpetrator was haberdasher John Hetherington, who designed it, made it, and was the first person to wear it into the street. According to a newspaper account, passerby’s panicked at the sight. Several women fainted, children screamed, and an errand boy’s arm was broken when he was trampled by the mob.
Hetherington was taken to court for wearing “a tall structure having a shining luster calculated to frighten timid people.” Hetherington had concocted a silk-covered variation of the contemporary riding hat, which had a wider brim, a lower crown, and was made of beaver. There was some initial resistance but in 1850 Prince Albert started wearing top hats made of “hatter’s plush” (a fine silk shag) and that settled any questions, it was now the century of The Top Hat.
Men wore top hats for business, pleasure, and formal occasions – pearl grey for daytime and black for day or night.
The height and contour of the hat fluctuated with the decades. By 1902 the top hat was nearing the end of its century long primacy and was soon to be replaced by the more compact Homburg.
Now, the top hat is a piece of history, not really a part of the contemporary wardrobe despite its occasional uses.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 25 x Width 31 x Depth 36
Dimensions in inches:
Height 10 inches x Width 1 foot, 0 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches
Shipping:
We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.
A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.
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Delivery and return policy:
We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.
In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.
The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.
Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.
Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.
