American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

11 1/2 in. diam. (at most elongated point of brim) x 6 in. ht. brimmed felt top hat with affixed ribbon (discolored, frayed) above brim and interior jugate engraving at the crown (partial remains, significant losses and separations). Leather sweat band mostly present, though with some separations and cracks throughout.

Composite cabinet card featuring oval engraved portraits of Benjamin Harrison and Levi P. Morton with unfurled banner reading "Harrison and Morton" and illustrations of the White House and US Capitol. Uncredited, n.d. (toning to print, some soiling and wear to mount)

The hat featured here was likely worn by a supporter of the Harrison/Morton ticket in the lead-up to the 1888 presidential election, in which Republican candidate Benjamin Harrison faced off against incumbent Democratic President Grover Cleveland. Harrison emerged the victor and served as the 23rd president of the United States, remaining in office for one term, from 1889-1893. The 1888 election was notable as it was only the third time in the history of the United States that the winner of the election did not receive the majority of the popular vote. This political phenomenon would not occur again until 2000.