A collapsible silk top hat - perfect for a Victorian night at the opera, or a 20th century magic trick - comes for sale on July 20.
Our Homes & Interiors sale on Tuesday 20 July includes the novelty hat, made by Gibus of 10 Chandles Street, Trafalgar Square alongside a presentation wand given to a member of the Magic Circle with a guide of £80-120.
Antoine Gibus was a Parisian hatmaker who, during the early 19th century, had solved a problem with which wearers of the top hat were well acquainted. Rather than seek a place to hang one’s silk topper, he created a hat, using a system of steel springs, that could be collapsed flat!
The wand, with silver mounts and a presentation inscription to John Holt, Esq M.M.C. 1963 has a terminal enamelled with the signs of the zodiac. It comes in a silk lined case for John Finches, London.
Known for creating timeless spaces through layers of colour, texture and pattern, interior designer Georgie Wykeham delves into the catalogue of our latest Design auction. Georgie has carefully selected her favourite lots from the 21 October sale, and shares insights into her design philosophy and inspiration.
16 October 2025
Our Open House sales are in full swing! Come along for in-person viewings, browse exciting new lots, and bid online throughout the week. With new items added regularly, there’s always something to discover.
14 October 2025
Sworders proudly supports The Art of the Poster, a selling exhibition at The Curwen Print Study Centre featuring original lithographic posters by leading modern artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Chagall. Each purchase helps fund the Centre’s vital work in printmaking education and preservation.
8 October 2025