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.
Over the past six months, Sworders has delivered a remarkable series of single-owner sales - each defined by a unique story and outstanding results, yet all unified by our expert market insight, meticulous presentation, and personalised client service.
12 June 2025
A unique offering of two private collections of Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) furniture, in our 8 July Design auction, provides buyers with the opportunity to acquire an important and iconic piece of design history.
9 June 2025
Born out of the tumultuous events on the streets of Paris in May 1968, when students and workers joined together in protest to bring France to the brink of revolution, an array of student riot posters are offered in our upcoming 9 July sale 'DREAMS | A Unique Private Collection'.
2 June 2025