William Byke's Top Hat

Origin
Lionel Barrymore starred as the villain in the lost silent film "Under the Gaslight". This film was important as Barrymore's character, William Byke, became the template of vaudeville villains and cartoons like Snidely Whiplash. He is famous for the clichés of the villain wearing a black top hat, having a thin mustache, and tying female protagonists to train tracks.

Usage
The hat has a proximity effect. Men around it will want to try it on. When the user does he will be convinced that he is the character William Byke. He will not know the difference between "Under the Gaslight" and reality. He will also see others as characters from the play. He will follow his role in the play and attempt to tie a woman to the railroad tracks. Because of its area effect the hat has been placed in the Dark Vault under its own neutralizer field.

Collection
The hat was collected in the early days of Warehouse 13. The hat was located after a string of attempted murders by William Byke impersonators.