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.
Our first Jewellery and Luxury sale of the year will feature a collection of Mr. Fish garments and other late 1960s clothing.
13 April 2026
Sworders are delighted to present a significant collection of Gucci items in our upcoming auction, taking place on Wednesday 29 April.
13 April 2026
EA Festival - one of the East of England’s leading ideas and literary festivals - presents Stories of Guinness, a one-day cultural festival, inspired by the history of the Guinness family, at Elveden Hall, Suffolk, on Saturday 13 June. Bringing together a carefully curated programme of talks, music, art and tours, the festival explores the enduring resonance of dynastic history in the modern world.
13 April 2026