Extremely Rare 19th Century Toleware Bicorn Hat Military Trade Sign

Origin: France Period: Circa 1810

This is a piece of historical folk art, specifically a shop display sign designed to catch the eye of passersby from the street. It is modeled after a Napoleonic-style bicorn hat (or "chapeau-bras"), which was standard dress for military and naval officers during the late 18th and 19th centuries.

It is crafted from toleware (painted or lacquered sheet metal, typically tin or iron), a durable material often used for outdoor signage in the 1800s.

The sign replicates the classic "fore-and-aft" cocked hat. It features a prominent bullion-style cockade and loop on the side, mimicking the gold wire lace and button details found on real military headwear.

The piece displays an authentic, "untouched" original painted finish with a deep reddish-brown or "Napoleonic red" patina. The wear and tear, including minor surface oxidation and paint loss, is commensurate with its age and long-term use as an outdoor fixture.

The "untouched" original painted finish is its greatest asset. Any evidence of overpainting or modern restoration can actually lower the value for serious folk-art collectors.

Items like this are highly sought after by collectors of militaria, advertising history, and folk art. Its rarity lies in the fact that it is a three-dimensional trade sign rather than the wearable hats themselves, which are more common.

Dimensions

Width: 98.00 cm (38.6 in)

Depth: 31.00 cm (12.2 in)

Height: 42.00 cm (16.5 in)

Price: £1150.00 (approx €1346)

Pareglio & Ayres Antiques Interiors, located in Kent UK and with a base in Italy just under an hour from Milan.

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T & Cs

Sizes: please contact us if you need a very accurate measurement to fit the item in a specific space or niche. Otherwise always allow 2 cm tolerance for each measurement.

Please be sure to check all the images as these form part of the description and do not hesitate to ask for more photos.

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a) is in the same original condition;

b) is not different from what was shipped;

c) has not been used.

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A refund of the full purchase price paid to us will be issued to the original payment source once the returned item has been received and we are satisfied that the conditions under a), b) and c) above are fulfilled. Buyers are responsible for the insurance coverage and claims for any damage, loss or theft of the goods that may occur during return shipment.

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