Hat
Maker
Knox
Periodcirca 1890 - 1925
MediumBlack twilled silk, metal
Dimensions5.5 × 12 in. (14 × 30.5 cm)
SignedThe hat's label is affixed to the inside of the crown and reads "EXTRA QUALITY / KNOX / NEW YORK / MOVEO ET PROFICIO."
ClassificationsAccessories, Men's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Kathryn Moan, 1949
Object number3352
DescriptionA man's collapsible opera top hat of twilled black silk stretched and sewn over an articulated spring-action top hat frame. When open, the hat features a flat top and slightly exaggerated tapered sides to a curved and shaped narrow brim. A narrow grosgrain ribbon encircles the sides. The hat is lined with black silk.Curatorial RemarksCollapsible opera or formal wear top hats were a novel and popular item around the turn of the century. Usually constructed of a spring action frame, the hat could be compressed simply by pushing down on the top with the palm of the hand, causing the sides to fold. To reopen the hat, the wearer would press against the inside of the hat top, snapping the frame into position. The stretchy twill weave silk made it possible to sew the fabric tightly on the bias, removing wrinkles in the fabric when the frame was extended and the fabric under tension.
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