A FRANKLIN PIERCE BRUSHED SILK TOP HAT. Brushed silk top hat by F. Jean, Paris, with grosgrain r...

A FRANKLIN PIERCE BRUSHED SILK TOP HAT. Brushed silk top hat by F. Jean, Paris, with grosgrain ribbon, stamped gilt maker's label to inside top, annotated 'Mr. Pierce—Concord' to crown. Some loss to fur, sides crumpled, some loss to inner silk lining. H: 18 cm; W: 28 cm; D: 31.5 cm Provenance: Franklin Pierce; by descent to his nephew Frank M. Pierce (copy of letter); sold Signature House Auction Catalog no. 2, April 26, 1995. The note which accompanies this hat in facsimile reads: 'This hat made by F. Jean of Paris belonged to my dear uncle, the President of the United States. He purchased it while on travel in Europe in 1857. With my sincere thanks. Frank. M. Pierce / 20th Day of December, 1890.' The top hat, tall and cylindrical with a small brim and a flat crown, was first introduced in the late 18th century and by the mid-19th century was the dominant form of formal menswear head covering. We associate Lincoln with the 'stovepipe' hat, an even taller version than the present example, but this elegant hat was purchased by Pierce during an extended visit to Madeira and the rest of Europe after his Presidency. Franklin Pierce served as President from 1853-57, during a period of relative calm, though Pierce's efforts to assuage the southern states may have hastened the disruption of the Union. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing