Jumbo Store Display Trade Sign, Oversized Stovepipe Hat on Spool-Turned Stand, Red Moire Silk

Item Details

After the Civil War, at a time when immigration to the United States was soaring, people frequently read and spoke something other than English.  Obviously a storekeeper could not have a sign indicating HATS in every language.  This hat and stand, therefore, served as a "trade sign" to indicate - in any language - that hats are sold in the store. 

Hand made, this jumbo hat was created in two separate parts; the crown and the brim.  The brim was designed to attach to the crown only at the right and left sides, leaving it in a animated state around the remaining perimeter, the brim appearing in various poses depending upon how it is perched on the stand.  The inside of the crown is lined with red moire silk.  The outside appears to be silk as well, but not moire.  When considering the silk material and the red color, this piece has survived the test of time.

Outside measurements of brim:  10" wide x 12-1/4" wide.  Inside measurement of crown:  7-1/2" x 9-1/2".  Hat is 6-1/4" tall.  If I place this oversized hat on my head, the bottom of the brim rests on the end of my nose!

The extra-tall hat stand measures 16-1/2" tall, weighted by an ornate cast iron base.  A spool-turned post connects the brass orb at the top.  The stand is in excellent, like new condition.

#33185