The size appears to be 7 to 7 1/4. Mark inside reads “11/1/8 Easy”. Also on inside liner is a silhouette of some kind with the initials J.D. in large letters, and inside top of hat has an emblem coat-of-arms mark which you will see in a photo.
This is a very nice antique beaver skin top hat with gorgrain band and brim trim. This hat measures front the back 7 3/4" side to side 6 1/2" My head size is 7 and the hat fits OK and looks OK, but I feel it is a trifle large.
It comes in its original leather case/box. The leather has some crazing and definitely needs a good leather moisturizer, cleaner and little color wouldn’t hurt. A key is inside the case and this read “I.B.Parsons, U.S.S Logan, Nagasaki. Gold initials inside also read I.B.P with some type of logo (see photo and link to Wikipedia for more details on the U.S.S. Logan). Our assumption is that this Naval Officer was a later owner of the hat. Leather strap and leather latch strap are intact. Also inside cloth holder strap is intact. Box has the leather handle and the brass lock. Interior is silk like fabric lined.
The top of the hat has three very small wear marks on the edge. The brim has a slight wear mark, obviously from doffing. The underside of the brim has five slight wear or etched marks.
Overall, this is a fine hat and believe me when I say no one will notice the very slight wear when it is on your head or displayed. The hat box is totally intact and just needs some good leather treatment.
© 1992-2009 Lee Payne
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