Kirsop top hat dating

[Carnivàle]

How does one go about dating a top hat? This Kirsop of Glasgow one I thought would be easy enough to find out information about the company but I'm struggling! There was a Thomas Kirsop and then his son took over the business turning it into John Kirsop and Son in 1924, it was later bought by House of Fraser.
http://www.housefraserarchive.ac.uk/company/?id=c1375
But how do I know which Kirsop this logo refers to? Obviously it's got 1828 written inside but could it really be that old? The couple I bought it from were in their late 60s and clearing his mother's estate but she'd been a hoarder so many of the items were his grandparents'. It came with a 1920s assuit shawl and other items of that era so I am guessing 20s but is there any better way I can tell? Also would it be beaver fur felt?

Your expertise is very much appreciated thank you!

Ps I believe the WHS on the inside are the grandfather's initials.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

That is a fine looking hat indeed. The gray ones do not come up as often, making them more scarce than the standard black, and it looks to be in very good condition also. This would have usually been worn with a morning suit. As you have guessed, top hats can be difficult to date to an exact year or decade as the styles, materials and construction methods did not change much. Judging only by the photos you have provided, I would say that your hat is from the early 20th century. 1910s to 1920s seems likely. And yes you are correct in that it is a fur felt, probably beaver or a beaver blend with another fur. I cannot tell without feeling it myself.

If it is a good size, such as a 7 1/4 or larger, that makes it even more desirable. Very nice!

 

[Carnivàle]

Thanks very much for your help! It's very reassuring to hear I'm not totally off! It measures 22 inches inner circumference so I think that makes it a medium, although I'm confused with the different sizes US versus UK. Not huge but at least it's not completely tiny. Thanks again for your help.