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.
This rare object, circa 1810, 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.
The sign comes with a wall mounting bracket which can be removed.
Unless individually specified, prices do not include delivery costs.
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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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Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1207575
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 42cm (16.5inches)Width is 98cm (38.6inches)Depth is 31cm (12.2inches)
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