
Revolutionary / Directoire · 1790s · American
Production
handmade
Material
painted leather
Culture
American
Influences
civilian top hat styling
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.
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