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From page 342 of The Book of Good Manners published in 1912 (available at for online reading at http://www.archive.org/details/thebookofgoodman00kinguoft):
The top-hat ... is spoken of in a letter written by a woman in Paris to her friend ... "The
latest things for gentlemen are the high hats. These are tall cylinders of black felt, smooth as mirrors, and look exactly like chimney-pots... The hatter Thierry is his name who invented them made a wager that he would introduce the very most absurd shape imaginable, and it would become fashionable..."
Sounds like a bit of an urban legend but the general time period (1799-1844) is certainly accurate for the arrival of the top hat and I have yet to come across a contradictory origin.
New information:
The first Top Hat was worn by English haberdasher James Heatherington on 15 January 1797. His unusual headgear quickly caused a stir and a crowd crush as people pushed and shoved against each other. Consequently, Heatherington was ordered to appear in court before the Lord Mayor and fined £50 for breaching the peace. He was also charged with appearing "on the public highway wearing a tall structure of shining lustre and calculated to terrify people, frighten horses and disturb the balance of society". However, within a month, he was overwhelmed with orders for the new headwear.
Caveat re: "John Heatherington" Tale
This story above is certainly very popular and has appeared in numerous publications over the years, going back to 1899.
The wikipedia Top Hat article offers another possible origin: "Top hats started to take over from the tricorne at the end of the 18th century; a painting by Charles Vernet of 1796, Un Incroyable, shows a French dandy (one of the Incroyables et Merveilleuses) wearing such a hat.[2] The first silk top hat in England is credited to George Dunnage, a hatter from Middlesex, in 1793.[3]"
In all situations involving folklore, no single source is ever reliable.
What else can I help you with?
Who invented the Top Hat?
It is unknown who invented the top hat. It is thought to be descended from the sugarloaf hat. George Dunnage created the first silk top hat in 1793. It was only in 1797 that the top hat made its first appearance, when it was worn by English haberdasher James Heatherington.
What is a centurions hat like?
A roman Centurion did not have a hat, he had a metal helmet adorned with cheek guards and a red "brush like" crest affixed to the top.
Who is the inventor of watch?
Thomas Edison was the inventor of watch.
Who is inventor of colculeter?
William Seward Burroughs was the inventor of calculators.
What did men wear in the 1950s?
men had to wear things like suits, so then it made them look posh and ready for anything, they wore a grey or black suit with a top hat to finish of the look, it was a pair of black trousers, a clear white top, and a black or grey jacket, and also a black hat to finish the whole look off. i hope my answer has given you a really good explaination on the mens clothing in the 1950's!
What is worn with a top hat?
Top hat and tails
Who holds the inventor patent for the pocket hat?
EBSCO Industries.
Does Abraham Lincoln wear a hat?
Yes, he wore a top hat. a top hat He is often shown with a stove pipe hat.
How do you spell top hat in English?
That is the correct spelling of "top hat" (short version of stovepipe hat).
In which film is Fred Astaire wearing top hat and tails?
The film in which Fred Astaire is wearing a top hat and tails is "Top Hat".
What hats begin with the letter T?
Turban and top hat are types of hats. Another hat is a ten-gallon hat.
What was the first top hat made on roblox?
it was the purple banded top hat
When was Top Hat Willy created?
Top Hat Willy was created in 1994.
When did Top Hat Willy happen?
Top Hat Willy happened in 1994.
When was Death from a Top Hat created?
Death from a Top Hat was created in 1938.
When was Top Hat released?
Top Hat was released on 09/06/1935.
What was the Production Budget for Top Hat?
The Production Budget for Top Hat was $609,000.
