Physical description

Leather, oval shaped hat box (in which is stored a men's silk top hat - 11400.834). Lined in blue velvet, and blue silk. Looped handle, 29cm long, attached with 2.5cm circular metal studs - possibly brass. An oval shaped insert, lined with blue velvet and silk, hold the inverted top hat. This hat was owned by John Sargood ( refer enclosed notes) whose initials are marked on trhe hat-box - J.S. - two cms high. An internal strap of black fabric, has a leather tab at one end with a metal key shaped fastener. Unfortunately the other end is broken off. This strap would hold the hat in the cavity. An outer leather strap, 4cm wide passes over the lid, and fastens at a 6.5cm diameter, circular metal disk with key lock. End of this strap is also broken - a piece of leather is inside the hat box. Strap is marked with a two cm high letter H which lines up with the owners initials when closed J.H.S..Sargood Family Notes in Clothing Box 157.