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.
A finely crafted rouleau vase, produced in the Kangxi period, comes to auction this November as a highlight in our Asian & Islamic Art sale.
25 August 2026
We look forward to presenting a private collection of WWII National Savings posters in our upcoming Open House sale, which will be available for bidding from 1-7 September.
24 August 2026
Following our previous valuation events in partnership with Britten Pears Arts, we’re delighted to be returning to Snape Maltings on Thursday 8 October. This time, we’ll be at the recently reopened The Trask and we’d love for you to join us.
24 August 2026