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 Stansted Mountfitchet site is the proud home to three beehives, that have generously provided copious amounts of honey this year. Jars of raw honey have been offered in return for donations towards 'Red Kite Support', our charity of the year.
17 September 2025
Our October Modern & Contemporary Art auction features a curated selection of artworks, including a single-owner collection, that celebrates the influential legacy of the Euston Road Group and Camberwell School of Art.
12 September 2025
As part of her work experience with Sworders, Clara Middleton takes a closer look at the emotionally charged and psychologically complex paintings of Carel Weight. Alongside the monumental Despair (1969), a collection of eight works by the artist are offered in our upcoming Modern & Contemporary Art auction on Tuesday 7 October.
12 September 2025