Name/Title
Band Box with Top hatEntry/Object ID
100119Tags
W M Spencer, Robert McLeod JacksonScope and Content
(AI) The History of Knox Hats
The Founder: The company was founded by Charles Knox in 1838 in New York City.
The Reputation: Knox quickly became the premier luxury hatter for American high society, politicians, and celebrities. They famously supplied hats to several U.S. Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln (who wore a Knox top hat to his inauguration) and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Motto: The prominent crest on the box features the Latin motto "Moveo et Proficio," which translates to "I move and I advance" or "I progress."
About the Hat and Box
The Hat: This style, with its flared crown and gently curled brim, was the height of formal menswear from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. Depending on its exact age, it is likely made of either beaver felt or silk plush stretched over a sturdy buckram frame.
The Box: The oval shape was custom-designed to cradle the hat perfectly so the brim wouldn't warp. The fact that the original carrying string and the graphic paper label are still intact is remarkable. value ?
