Antique Victorian Leather Hat Box
Rare, antique Victorian hat box base featuring the official coat of arms used by the government and as the official coat of arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, hand-crafted from leather. Also known as a “bucket”, this well-loved English hat case would have been used for transporting a gentleman’s top hat. Originally topped with a leather lid and fitted with a handle for ease of carrying, the case would have had leather straps attached to the lid that would wrap around and fasten to the side of the box’s base.
We think this hat case would make a unique addition to a gentleman’s office filled with books, a plant, or as a fashionable safe haven for a favored hat.
History of the top hat: the top hat, also called a “topper”, “stovepipe”, “high hat” or “beaver” is a tall, flat-crowned hat for men traditionally associated with formal wear. Originally made from felted beaver fur, and later of black or gray silk, the top hat was first was worn by the haberdasher John Hetherington in 1797, and is said to have caused a near riot. According to a newspaper account, “passersby panicked at the sight. Several women fainted, children screamed, dogs yelped, and an errand boy’s arm was broken when he was trampled by the mob.” So Hetherington was taken to court for wearing “a tall structure having a shining luster calculated to frighten timid people.”
While the first top hat certainly caused a sensation, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century when Prince Albert began wearing one regularly in public that the style really became a fashion rage. From that point, toppers became the standard hat for men, especially among the upper class. Eventually, the headwear fell out of favor when everyday fashion became more informal in the early 20th century.
Found in England, circa 1850
Rich patinated leather finish
Remnants of weathered painted coat of arms on two ends of the box
Inside of box is lined with blue
Original lid not included (as found)
Minor scratches, cracks, and wear consistent with age and use
Measures approximately 14 1/4” L x 12 1/2” W x 8” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
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