This hat is my take on the top hat and my love affair with this style. Top hats date back to the 1790s. The inspiration for this style most likely came from the sugarloaf hats worn in the Middle Ages. The top hat was quick to become popular in society, especially in the upper class. For men, the topper symbolized wealth, respectability, and a man of industry. During this time the hats were made of beaver fur but were gradually replaced by silk. Resistance came with this change as people learned that hats made from beaver fur were more durable, easily cared for, and hold the shape so much better. Felt made from beaver fur was the most sought-after for hats as the quality of the hats was much superior and to this day, still is.
John Hetherington's first outing in his top hat caused a riot in 1797 and charged for "having appeared on the Public Highway wearing upon his head a tall structure having a luster and calculated to frighten timid people."
My long-standing love affair with top hats, tall hats, and hats, in general, is the inspiration for all my hats. While I can't guarantee a top hat will cause a riot, I can promise you that you'll feel taller, more poised, confident, and probably a bit like a rebel! If you are game for wearing a top hat that would cause a riot, I would love to make it for you!
The name of this top hat, the 1874 Expedition, references the Black Hills Gold Rush of 1874. I can make this top hat for you in the color of your choice, and my favorite is Gold!
The perfect hat for all lifestyles, Luxury, Cowboy, Cowgirl, Rock and Roll, Street Style, and will always be a fashion statement!
200X, 500X Belly Hair, Mink, and Chinchilla are pure fur.
- Crown: 5" Hand shaped
- Color: Gold is shown but you can pick your color
- Brim: 2 1/2" hand-shaped, un-bound
- Every hat is handmade to order: no mass production, less waste, more love
- Black leather custom sweatband made in the USA
- Hatband: 2" black velvet ribbon made in the USA
- Hats ship in 18-20 weeks unless there are unforeseen circumstances
The hat pictured is the basic. While I can make you one just like this style to fit your head, the feather embellishments will vary with each hat as I put them together one feather at a time so that each one will be unique to your hat. If you would like a different knot or color or ribbon on the hatband, please call me, and we will place this order together. This hat is a great style for men and women.
Colors: The colors available shown in images. Along with being a handmade product, the X quality of the hat will affect the color and can cause one hat to be slightly different than the next. Please see individual qualities for color availability.
I use the finest fur/fur blends, which are more durable and more serviceable. The better the fur, the more abuse it will take, and the easier it is to do something with it year after year. Fine fur blends produce a softer refined feel and create a higher quality hat.
The Gold color is only available in the 100X.
ONLY colors available in Belly Hair are Black Cherry, Natural, Black, Chocolate Brown, Whiskey, Granite, Dark Moss, Steel, Charcoal, and sometimes Silver Belly.
ONLY colors available in Mink and Chinchilla are Black Cherry, Natural, Black, Chocolate Brown, Whiskey, Granite, Dark Moss Steel, and Charcoal.
Note: These hats will be made as ordered (they are not ready-made), so there is still going to be a lead time of 18-20 weeks for delivery as we will be working them in with all our custom orders.
Prices will change according to the items you add on or change from the basic price.
All my hats are made by hand with love and care in my Sturgis South Dakota location. All hats (shapes, designs, colors, embellishments) only show suggestions. The options and possibilities are endless. The only limitations are your budget and time frame.
If you have decided that you like this hat but want it with a different design or as a custom, one of a kind, I can do that! Just send me an email or give me a call with your thoughts, and I will put them into action.
If you are not able to stop by my Sturgis South Dakota location, I can still get one made for you. I need a couple of pieces of information:
Step 1
Wrap the tape measure (or string) around the largest part of your head until the two ends meet at the center of your forehead just above your eyebrows. Firmly hold the tape or string mid-forehead with your finger, not too tightly or too loose. The goal is to determine precisely where your hat will sit for the most comfortable fit.
If you're using a ruler and string, proceed to step two.
Step 2
Take the string from your head, being careful to hold onto the endpoint, so you have an accurate account of your head size. Measure the string with the ruler.
Even though the hat sizes provided are standard across the USA, various factors can affect the fit, such as the hat maker, the material of the hat, and even how much hair you have.
Handcrafted, wearable art made in the USA!
There are several pictures that show how your hat can be customized. I welcome calls if you have any questions!
