Vintage Mens English Silk Top Hat Christys London XL 7 5/8

This is a quality English silk top hat made by Christys’ of London.  The hat is made in a classic top hat form with turned side brim lined in grosgrain.  The crown is made with a plush silk while the brim is covered in a shiny flat silk - quite lovely.  The crown has a black wool band around it base that I believe is a replacement, but probably an older replacement - a men’s hat shop should be able to replace this with a grosgrain band, if desired.  It is lined in a cream colored silk with moiré top that is printed in black with the Royal Coat of Arms and with “Christys’ London English Manufacture”.  Christys’ was founded in 1773 and has a long history of producing hats, including introducing the Homburg in 1899.  The original owner’s initials “TWE” were affixed in gold foil letters - the T and W are still present, but the E is missing.  The sweatband is blind stamped “English Manufacture”.  The opening measures 24” around the sweatband and 6 7/8” by 8 1/2” across the opening, so should accommodate a size 7 5/8 head, considered extra large.  It is in very good condition with the exception of slight wear to the top edge at either side, more pronounced in the photos due to the photo flash and very slight wear to the grosgrain on the underside edge, very minor - otherwise, the hat is very clean and ready for use.  My understanding is that there are people who can refurbish the missing silk.  The hat is difficult to date precisely, but I think that it dates to the 1920s.

This is a very nice quality English silk top hat from a quality London hatter - extremely hat to find in this XL size!