Victorian Top Hats
This lot comprises two Victorian-era top hats, showcasing the elegance of 19th-century menswear. One hat is a standard form, while the other is a collapsible ‘travel’ hat, designed for convenient transport. Both hats bear the mark of Lincoln Bennett & Co., a renowned London hatmaker with premises at Burlington Gardens and Old Bond Street. The interior of one hat retains its original silk lining and maker’s label, displaying the company’s crest and address.
Condition and Collectibility
These hats exhibit signs consistent with age and use, including minor wear to the silk lining and some slight imperfections to the hat bodies. The collapsible hat is in particularly good condition for its type, retaining its folding mechanism. These hats would appeal to collectors of antique menswear, costume enthusiasts, or those seeking a unique decorative item. The Lincoln Bennett maker’s mark adds to their desirability and historical significance.