Henry Heath Top Hat

This is coming out of that big estate..

It is in pristine condition along with a precisely fitted box..

You would call this a plush silk, not beaver because beaver feel out in the mid 1800s, right?

Ive searched this logo type and could only find one matching one..
Its sold for over $20k..
Maybe Im not looking hard enough??
http://natedsanders.com/king-george-vi-worn-top-hat-lot27919.aspx


Can someone help me date and possibly further identify the hat?

 

There appears to be a fair amount of information about Henry Heath out there.

http://virtualvictorian.blogspot.com/2010/07/henry-heaths-top-hats-extravagant.html

Debora

 

Provenance is everything on that 20K hat, methinks. If your hat was worn by someone that prominent (and it's going to be tough to "top" a King of England) then that might add a few bucks.

 

lol, well i knew that

I was more looking to date the era of the logo

 

Then I suggest you post a close-up of the logo. I, for one, can't even see it.

Debora

 

I noticed that when I logged on from my computer.
Its having to shrink the photo to be able to upload to the site. They are becoming grainy.

I used to use photobucket, but they are charging to share 3rd party now.
I need to find something new

 

If it hasn't been mentioned, the initials PGC would be the owner's initials. This is probably a bespoke topper. Heath may even have the order on record - it is/was common to hold on to the measurements, etc. for future orders.

 

Hmmm, your hat has "P G C" as initials under the company logo . . . whereas the link you provided for a hat belonging to King George shows "H R H" (His Royal Highness).

What do you think the "PGC" initials stand for (mean)? Perhaps P??? General Commander????

EDIT: Mansons, I was thinking/typing as you were posting.

 

I now see what HRH stood for.
I was wondering... lol

The top of the logo reads,
By special appointment only
To his majesty the king

The hat is out of London

 

The Henry Heath logo did evolve over time. As yours appears to have the same logo as that of King George VI, I'd think you could assume they're from roughly the same era.

Debora

 

Looks like it could be beaver. Possibly fitted with a Maillard Allie Conformateur

 

"The mark consists of the manufacturer’s name – Henry Heath Limited – surrounded by the British emblem and text which reads “By Warrant to His Majesty the King.” This detail comprises what is known as a Royal Warrant – a distinction granted to tradespeople who supply the British Monarch and whose manufacturing upholds high standards. The warrant gives status to the maker and its products, and in turn to its owner."
https://ryerson-fashion-research-co...hat-of-e-j-lennox-architect-of-old-city-hall/

 

I would suggest you do an internet image search for Henry Heath. You will find a number of print ads for the company. You can compare the logo in your top hat to the logo featured in the ads. That will provide you with a date window.

Debora

 

I have a feeling that this chapeau is less that 50 years old, possibly even younger. The last one I bought (for a wedding) was only about 25-30 years ago.

EDITED: I did not mean to infer that I purchased my hat from this firm - I got mine in NYC.

 

One internet source states the firm closed in 1958.

Debora

 

If the people representing the estate know who "PGC" was (and his approximate dates) that should give you at least an inkling about when this hat might have been purchased. If they know his name, but nothing more, it's possible that I can find him for you via Ancestry records.

 

couldn't edit my original post any longer, but allow me to add that the one I bought in NYC was NOT cheap. It was a few hundred dollars, off the rack so to speak......................