Black Leather Fire Brigade Top Hat

Revolutionary / Directoire · 1790s · American

A tall cylindrical leather hat with a wide circular brim, characteristic of late 18th-century fire brigade headwear. The black leather surface displays painted gold lettering reading 'KENSINGTON' and '139', indicating the specific fire company affiliation. The crown maintains a straight-sided profile typical of the period's formal hat construction, while the rigid brim provides protection from falling debris. The painted leather shows wear consistent with active use, and the overall proportions reflect the influence of civilian top hat styles adapted for firefighting purposes during the Revolutionary period.