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.
Join us as we look back at some of the most notable highlights from our 2025 sales and celebrate another excellent year.
18 December 2025
Founder of The Professional Organiser, Cornelia De Uphaugh, shares her process and philosophy through a series of interview questions.
18 December 2025
From all at Sworders, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We would like to sincerely thank you for your ongoing support throughout 2025, we look forward to seeing you in 2026.
18 December 2025