What men’s fashion item is so iconic that it has endured
since the late 18th century as a symbol of taste and class? Worn by
princes, like Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert and presidents like Abraham Lincoln? An item that helped drive the North American fur trade? Can be seen on characters like Mr. Moneybags of Monopoly fame, Uncle Sam,
Scrooge McDuck, Mr. Peanut, and Tuxedo Mask? If you guessed the top hat, you’re
right!
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| A magical find in the archives! This silk top hat complete with its own carrying case was hiding right under our noses the whole time. AF 239 ARCAT Special Collections ARCAT Staff Photo |
We recently looked in a box that nobody who works at ARCAT
had had the occasion to open before, and were thrilled to realize that it
contained a top hat in beautiful condition complete with its own hat box. This treasure was owned by Fr. Felix Smyth, who lived from 1859-1937. There is some indication that the hat was produced in the early 20th century.
In her book Hats and
Headwear Around the World: A Cultural Encyclopedia, Beverly Chico describes
the top hat as “a tall, stiff headpiece with a rolled and turned-up brim,
formed in the shape of an upright cylinder with a closed, flat top. With curved
or rounded sides, the vertical tube-like crown is usually a modified circle or
oval to better fit the human head.” There can be some variation in the height and shape of the crown, but the overall style is distinctive as the proper topper for formal dress.
By the middle of the century, silk
hats gained popularity as a lighter option, and their status as the go-to hat
of the aristocracy and of the commoners alike was cemented when Prince Albert began
wearing them. They became de rigueur at formal occasions as part of the expected attire for men. Presidents were inaugurated in them, they were worn to weddings and funerals, they were worn on the street. They were even worn here in Toronto by our own Captain Elmsley, who is noted for donating much of his time, money, and land to the early diocese:
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| Captain John Elmsley poses for a portrait with his top hat. Photo courtesy of the General Archives of the Basilian Fathers |
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| You can see how shiny this hat is even though it probably hasn't been brushed in decades. Perhaps it's an opportunity to learn a new skill! AF 239 ARCAT Special Collections ARCAT Staff Photo |
The hat in our collection was made by Lincoln, Bennett, & Co., which was a supplier to the royal family, in London and sold by S. Hyndman Tailor & Hosier in Londonderry.
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| AF 239 ARCAT Special Collections ARCAT Staff Photo |
The case was affixed with an Anchor Line steam ship label, but we were disappointed that the label wasn't filled out with any information about the hat's owner.
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| Anchor Line steamship label: Londonerrry to New York AF 239 ARCAT Special Collections ARCAT Staff Photo |
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| All packed up and you're ready to hop across the pond to hob-nob with the high hats! AF 239 ARCAT Special Collections ARCAT Staff Photo |
Though the popularity of the top hat waned in the first half of the 20th century with the rise of the fedora, top hats are still expected attire for gentlemen attending the Royal Ascot, and can be seen when men want to add a little something extra special to their outfit. Here in the archives, we think they're poised for a comeback!
