I believe that the process used to adhere silk to top hats involved the use mercury and (as far as I am aware) is a process which is no longer carried out. Hence, the number of vintage top hats is finite and larger sizes are most prized as our head grow larger by the generation.
See: Telegraph article
See: Telegraph article
Silk top hats, larger sizes kept in stock.
Hat shown above is UK size 7 1/16 approx, probably an equestrian example as it is somewhat reinforced,
ENTIRE STOCK SOLD AS JOB LOT
