Show & Tell!
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 31 August , 2008 at 6:24 pm
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a “Show & Tell!”, in fact, it’s probably been 2 decades! The latest topic for the Carnival of Genealogy is… you’ve guessed it… “Show & Tell!”, so, having been absent without leave for the past few months in regards to the CoG, I thought I’d join in.
May I present to you…
The Top Hat
The Top Hat was Great Grandfather Alfred’s, but sadly I don’t think we have a photo of him wearing it.
Inside the Top Hat
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Inside the Top Hat is a name written in ink. To me, the initial looks like a “J” which would mean the hat originally belonged to Alfred’s brother John. This makes sense as John was a Farmer where as Alfred was a lowly paid Agricultural Labourer.
Also inside the Top Hat is the name of the hat maker and of the seller.
Christys’ London had been making hats long before my Great Grandfather and his brothers were born and they are still making them now long after their deaths.
T & R Gilman of Hanley would have sold the hat to my Great Great Uncle John.
Sadly, I’m not able to tell you much more about this Top Hat, but it’s something I’ve not mentioned here before. We also have a Bowler Hat, which Dad also believes belonged to my Great Grandfather Alfred.
I love things like this Top Hat, the Bowler Hat and Alfred’s old Pocket Watch. There’s just something about them.
I look forward to the next Show & Tell!
Comments (10)
Category: Carnival of Genealogy, Derricutt, Family History, Photography
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Comment by Elyse
Made Sunday, 31 of August , 2008 at 7:35 pm
Hey Nikki-Ann! I love that Top Hat!! What an awesome heirloom! It looks like it is in such great condition too!
Thank you so much for commenting on my blog also. I really appreciate it!
Comment by Bob-kat
Made Sunday, 31 of August , 2008 at 7:40 pm
I sometimes think it’s sad that we don’t wear hats as much anymore (not including baseball caps). They had a certain elegance about them and yours is especially grand! It’s wonderful you have these heirloom.
Thanks for the get well wishes 
Comment by Karen
Made Monday, 1 of September , 2008 at 12:54 am
WOW, how awesome is that?!
Comment by Mike
Made Monday, 1 of September , 2008 at 2:57 am
What a great Hat! Especially since it belonged to a relative of yours.
Michele sent me
Comment by Amy
Made Friday, 5 of September , 2008 at 5:34 pm
That’s a fancy hat! Thanks for sharing your pictures and details of it.
Comment by footnoteMaven
Made Friday, 5 of September , 2008 at 10:22 pm
Nikki-ann:
How unique! This is a wonderful heirloom. Very grand, it takes you mentally to another time.
The perfect show and tell.
fM
Comment by Tina Sansone
Made Friday, 5 of September , 2008 at 11:13 pm
I love that you have the hat. I have a military hat and couple of grandmother’s netted hats. They are so cool to look up and learn about. I agree, it looks to be in great condition. Glad you shared it.
Tina
Pingback by Notes of Life » Alfred’s Top Hat
Made Saturday, 6 of September , 2008 at 8:45 pm
[...] we have a photo of Great Grandfather Alfred wearing the Top Hat (see my previous post – “Show & Tell!“), I remembered one photo we had some somebody wearing the Top [...]
Pingback by Notes of Life » Crowning Glory - AJ’s Hair!
Made Monday, 8 of September , 2008 at 7:39 pm
[...] We are invited to show hair-dos (or don’ts!) and other interesting headgear. Obviously, my Top Hat post would have been ideal, but tonight I’ve decided to share a picture of my big brother [...]
Comment by OldOldLady Of The Hills
Made Wednesday, 10 of September , 2008 at 3:45 am
Well, I think it is AMAZING that you have this Top Hat, at all! And it looks in Fine shape, too! To think that all that informayion is still there and still readable. This a terrific.
