Boxed French Third Republic Judge's Cap

Magistrate's cap (*toque* or *mortier*), French Third Republic.

Made of fine black wool cloth, featuring a 7.5 cm high band with a 4 cm high black velvet *bourdalou* (ribbed band). Total height 10 cm; crown diameter 22.5 cm. The crown is made of fine black wool cloth, ribbed, with a circular, semi-domed button (6 cm diameter) at the center. Interior lining features a black waxed leather sweatband. Personalized: the name "VITOU" is inscribed on a label inside the cap and on both the top and side of the hat box (from a hatter in Roubaix). The cloth ties used to close the box are broken, with a section missing. Very nice overall condition.