Top Hat

This hat was owned by William Bayldon who built the first house in Coffs Harbour along Lyons Road. He originally came from England and worked as a Magistrate in the Coffs Harbour region. The scarf was used to wrap the top hat when stored in a large tin hat carrier.

Men's top hat, black animal fur. The ribbon and edge of the brim are black grosgrain. The underside of the brim is a dark green fabric, and the sweatband is made of brown leather. The inside of the hat is lined with a delicate pale yellow fabric, possibly silk. There is a metal-edged eyelet at the crown for ventilation. The maker's mark on the liner tip is an image of a castle topped by flannel flowers and a crown and flanked by waratahs.