Early to mid-19th century beaver Top Hat, some worn during the Civil War

This hat shows quite a bit of wear, which actually adds to the piece. It is made of beaver and measures 12 x 11 x 8 inches. There are actually photographs of Confederates who wore these hats early in the war (see pictures).

These definitively period “stovepipe” style hats have become rather difficult to find; all too often, I see later hats that are purported to be from the war era. Original, mid-19^th century top hats need to sit flat on a surface (no upward curve to the brim); sometimes the crown is slightly concave.

Sometimes these hats were embossed with the maker’s or label printer’s mark,  or name on the interior top of the crown or the box it came in. If this one had any markings, they are long gone with the age and wear.

As seen in the pictures, this hat is definitely well worn and showing all those signs. With such wear I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually went through the Civil War.