Franklin Delano Roosevelt Top Hat Reportedly Worn During His First Inauguration. Franklin Delano Roosevelt gentleman's brushed silk top hat, with flat crown, constructed with a sheared beaver pelt covering, black felt hatband, and traditionally shaped brim, the hat is size 7 3/8 and bears the name 'FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT' embossed in gold lettering on both the interior sweatband and the crown liner. The hat remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition, (displaying only expected evidence of careful use). Height: 16 cm; Width: 27 cm; Diameter: 32.5 cm Provenance: Gift of Eleanor Roosevelt to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Entrup; by descent through the family (see letter dated March 10, 1997 and a copy of Eleanor Roosevelt's Testament; sold Alexander Autographs, New York, 24 June, 1997, lot 1062). A historically significant piece of American presidential memorabilia: reportedly the silk top hat worn by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his first inauguration on March 4, 1933, and on other important state and ceremonial occasions during his presidency. The inauguration at which this hat was worn, according to Eleanor Roosevelt and Lester Entrup family lore, marked one of the most consequential moments in American history. Roosevelt assumed office at the depths of the Great Depression, with the nation's banking system near collapse and unemployment at unprecedented levels. Before a nation gripped by economic crisis, Roosevelt delivered his celebrated inaugural address, assuring Americans that 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.' The ceremony signaled the beginning of the New Deal era and a transformation of the federal government's role in American life. The hat's provenance is both compelling and direct. According to a notarized statement from the 1997 consignor, the son of long-time friends and employees of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the hat was discovered in the attic of Mrs. Roosevelt's residence in Hyde Park, New York. Upon being shown the hat, Mrs. Roosevelt identified it as having belonged to her late husband and recalled that it had been worn at his inauguration. Shortly thereafter, she presented the hat to the couple as a personal memento. The hat subsequently descended within the family. Accompanying the lot are the notarized provenance statement, copies of supporting family documents, a copy of Eleanor Roosevelt's will, and additional materials establishing the longstanding relationship between Mrs. Roosevelt and the recipients of the gift. Few personal artifacts are more closely associated with the public image of an American president than the formal top hat worn by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Combining direct presidential ownership, documented family provenance, and association with one of the most important presidents in United States history. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing