Regency Fashion: The Baronet

THE BARONET THIS is a Hat highly respectable in appearance and well suited to gentlemen in the decline of life but as that is a state to which few will acknowledge while there is a capability of hobbling without a crutch something definite had better be stated by giving the precise age take it then at fifty which will put all doubts at rest The reason for fixing on the Baronet as suitable to those in declining years is its grave reflecting methodical cast such as would seem to say of the wearer Here is one that possesses a serenity of mind an easy indiffe rence of disposition a tranquillity of thought which would quietly disentangle itself from the vain shadowy fleeting desires of this life and leave no regret behind There are many other recommendatory properties in this Hat but those already particularized are the most valu able yes valuable for it is a well known fact that mankind are often made up of contrivance that is they frequently give to appearance the shape of reality and however strange the doctrine may at first appear it is nevertheless true that the custom is often attended with ver beneficial results inasmuch as by endeavour ing to maintain an apparent consistency between habit and action the propriety of doing right becomes so strongly impressed on the mind that the villainy of a bad practice is seen in its worst deformity and conscience the unerring monitor of the mind rides triumphant over all These are recommendations of no ordinary nature and such that will no doubt cause much inquiry after the Baronet As to growth or countenance there is an old saying that beggars should not be choosers and the wearer if he becomes so from necessity will feel the propriety of leaving choice out of the question

Lloyd’s Treatise on hats (1819)

This is part of a series on Gentleman’s Hats:

Regency Fashion: Gentlemen’s Hats

Regency Fashion: The John Bull Top Hat 

Regency Fashion: The Wellington Top Hat 

Regency Fashion: The Tandem Hat 

Regency Fashion: The Tally-Ho Hat 

Regency Fashion: The Shallow

Regency Fashion: The Coburg 

Regency Fashion: The Marquis 

Regency Fashion: The Eccentric

Regency Fashion: The Regency 

Regency Fashion: The Kent

Regency Fashion: The Cumberland

Regency Fashion: The Vis-A-Vis

Regency Fashion: The Petersham

Regency Fashion: The Bang Up

Regency Fashion: The Clericus

Regency Fashion: The Bon-Ton

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