Comments on: How the Hatter Went Mad

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:08:55 +0000

How can you tell if a hat is covered in beaver felt vs. silk plush? I see many that say they are silk plush that look identical to the ones that say beaver… Can you tell by maker? I own one made by Dunlap, New York… was told it was from the late 1800s (probably late 80′s-90′s) and that it was beaver felt… doing research online I find it hard to tell the difference… I work at a Museum and am working on an exhibit about accessories of the Regency period (although the hat is not of that period, we are offering it as an example and having information about the differences in styling during of the period). I want to make sure I am identifying it properly. Can you offer me some insight please.

By: don

don — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:34:37 +0000

what was the newer hat making processes that replaced those that used mercury? and what did it include if not mercury? thanx!

By: this write life

this write life — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:49:38 +0000

Great research!

By: DeLia CA

DeLia CA — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:34:13 +0000

Thank you so much for this information! I have a “fetish” for vintage hats and their history. I had heard about the mercury treatment but appreciate your more inclusive info. I definitely will make it out to LACMA to see this exhibit!!