The battered silk hat was placed on the man's head.

Then at last he turned abruptly to his second in the silk hat and said: "Who are you?"

The man in the silk hat thanked the other and continued toward the corner.

He examined the silk hat, and could find no explanation.

For some reason, the count returned the silk hat to the check room; but he kept the cloak.

However, at least one source describes the nickname coming much later when players saw him wearing a silk hat.

He wore a high silk hat, and his black clothes were covered with dust.

Reaching into the seat I took my stick and silk hat.

And you're the maid who waves the silk hat to draw him on.

And not a tailcoat or a silk hat to be seen.