Antique Victorian Mens English Silk Plush Top Hat Medium 7 1/8

This is a quality antique English silk plush top hat.  The hat is made in a classic top hat form with tall crown and turned side brim lined in grosgrain.  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 top that is printed in black with the Royal Coat of Arms that has Queen Victoria’s crown above it, so this should be a clue that the hat dates prior to 1901.  The sweatband is made of leather.  The opening measures 22 1/2” around the sweatband and 6 1/2” by 7 7/8” across the opening, so should accommodate a size 7 1/8 head, considered medium.  The crown measures 5 5/8” in height and flares out slightly at the top.  It is in very good condition with the exception of slight wear to the top edge, more pronounced in the photos due to the photo flash - otherwise, the hat is very clean and ready for use.  My understanding is that there are people who can refurbish the missing silk.  The interior is written on with "Eaton", perhaps the name of the model or the person who ordered the hat.

This is a very nice quality English silk top hat with wonderful form - nice old piece!