MANUFACTUE AND VALUE
They stopped producing the silk for top hats in 1947 and they stopped making them in 1959 when the silk ran out so the black silk hats today are heirlooms or reconditioned hats. It's almost impossible to hire them. Locks in St James selling reconditioned silk hats say "price on application".
Grey fur felt hats are still made today but generally they lack the attraction and lustre of the black silk.
Values today: black silk top hats are worth between £500 to £2,000 and grey fur felts about £300+ depending on age and condition.