John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Top Hat Template to be Sold at Cordier Auctions November 29

Cordier Auctions in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, will offer the template used to fit the hat that John F. Kennedy wore to his inauguration in its annual Book and Photography Auction on November 29.  The template, consigned by Isabel Ann Heath of Mechanicsburg, was created by her father, John Austin Garside.

Mr. Garside, Chief Designer and Chief Fitter for Cavanagh’s Hat Co., New York City, visited then President-elect Kennedy at his suite at the Hotel Carlyle in New York for the fitting. Two silk top hats were chosen by the President-elect, according to news articles from the time.  Mr. Garside had a photo of Isabel Ann as well as his son with him, and Kennedy signed both.  The lot includes the two autographed photos as well as related newspaper articles.

Other items include an 1889 silver George Washington centennial inauguration medal along with books, photographs, sports ephemera, newspapers, and autographs.

JFK at Inaugural Activities Jan 20, 1961

Isabel Ann Heath's Photo Autographed by JFK

JFK Inaugural Hat Template