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.
We are proud to present 'The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology', starring in our next Open House sale, which will be live for browsing and bidding from Tuesday 18 - Monday 24 August.
12 August 2026
We are excited to share one of the highlights from our upcoming November Asian & Islamic Art sale - a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) Chinese scroll depicting The Peach Blossom Spring.
10 August 2026
We are thrilled to share an incredible story regarding a portrait miniature sold in our last Old Master, British & European Art auction.
5 August 2026