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 delighted to offer the extensive archive of silversmith A. E. Jones in our next Open House sale, live for bidding from Tuesday 3 - Monday 9 March.
2 March 2026
Ahead of our inaugural sale, 'The 13th Note', taking place later this year, specialist Tony Salani shares an insight into a sale dedicated to the objects that define pop culture.
2 March 2026
We are pleased to offer a collection of works by Gaetano Pesce in our upcoming 21 April Design auction. Here, we share a spotlight on the designer's creative life and career.
27 February 2026