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ID #SA1211679
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Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.
Krave Antiques
for sale €1,287     $1,397
£1,100
Krave Antiques

Krave Antiques

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Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

19th century
For Sale by Krave Antiques
Description

This fine quality Barrister's wig which was manufactured by top London wig maker Ravenscroft Law dates from the 19th century, is made of woven horsehair and has it's maker's label inside of Patentee. Ravenscroft Law, Star Yards, Lincolns Inn Fields.

This antique wig comes complete with it's large size Ravenscroft Japanned toleware tin which has a brass carrying handle and padlock with ornate key. This tin is sign written to the front with the owner's name of Eric C Holmes, Town Clerk. The wig was originally owned by R. Colin Greensmith L.L.B. whose name has been overwritten and then repurposed by a Town Clerk. Also marked to the inside of the tin with Ravenscroft Law. Wig & Robe Makers. Lincolns Inn. London.

This wig sits on its original wig stand which fits nicely inside and lifts out.

Ravenscroft Law are a high end wig maker operating during the 19th century and then merging with luxury tailor Joseph Ede in 1902 to form Ede & Ravenscroft who are still operating today and are the oldest tailors in London. They sell legal wigs, gowns and ceremonial dress. They also hold the Royal Warrants as robemakers to the Royal Family.

These Barrister wigs were also worn by town clerks on formal civic occasions (such as council meetings or when a new mayor is appointed).

A very nice original 19th century piece in fabulous condition.

Material: Horsehair wig. Tole metal tin.

Date: 19th century.

Maker: Ravenscroft Law.

Dimensions of tin: Length: 24 cm (9 1/2"). Width: 23 cm (9"). Height: 25 cm (9 3/4").

Approx dimensions of wig: Length: 19 cm (7 1/2"). Width: 15 cm (6").

Weight: 1.774 kg.

Condition: Excellent antique condition with only very light signs of use in keeping with age. The wig is an amazing condition with just few loose hairs. Tin has some scratches and small bruises. Please see pictures.

Please note that only the wig and tin are included and any other items in the pictures are for display only.

Physical Dimensions
Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
24cm (9.45")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Declaration

Krave Antiques has dated this Antique Barrister Wig Tin to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1211679
Dealers Internal Reference
ABWT3579
Dealers Notes

_____________

Please look at our website for our full stock of antiques and purchase direct www.kraveantiques.co.uk

If you have any further questions about this item please feel free to message us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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We ship worldwide. Please contact us for a quote.

Description
This fine quality Barrister's wig which was manufactured by top London wig maker Ravenscroft Law dates from the 19th century, is made of woven horsehair and has it's maker's label inside of Patentee. Ravenscroft Law, Star Yards, Lincolns Inn Fields.
This antique wig comes complete with it's large size Ravenscroft Japanned toleware tin which has a brass carrying handle and padlock with ornate key.
Krave Antiques

This tin is sign written to the front with the owner's name of Eric C Holmes, Town Clerk. The wig was originally owned by R. Colin Greensmith L.L.B. whose name has been overwritten and then repurposed by a Town Clerk. Also marked to the inside of the tin with Ravenscroft Law. Wig & Robe Makers. Lincolns Inn. London.

fig 1. An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
fig 1. Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

This wig sits on its original wig stand which fits nicely inside and lifts out.

Ravenscroft Law are a high end wig maker operating during the 19th century and then merging with luxury tailor Joseph Ede in 1902 to form Ede & Ravenscroft who are still operating today and are the oldest tailors in London. They sell legal wigs, gowns and ceremonial dress. They also hold the Royal Warrants as robemakers to the Royal Family.

fig 2. An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
fig 2. Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

These Barrister wigs were also worn by town clerks on formal civic occasions (such as council meetings or when a new mayor is appointed).

A very nice original 19th century piece in fabulous condition.

Material: Horsehair wig. Tole metal tin.

fig 3. An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
fig 3. Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

Date: 19th century.

Maker: Ravenscroft Law.

Dimensions of tin: Length: 24 cm (9 1/2"). Width: 23 cm (9"). Height: 25 cm (9 3/4").

Approx dimensions of wig: Length: 19 cm (7 1/2"). Width: 15 cm (6").

Weight: 1.774 kg.

fig 4. An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
fig 4. Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

Condition: Excellent antique condition with only very light signs of use in keeping with age. The wig is an amazing condition with just few loose hairs. Tin has some scratches and small bruises. Please see pictures.

Please note that only the wig and tin are included and any other items in the pictures are for display only.

Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
24cm (9.45")
Depth
19cm (7.48")
Date of Manufacture

Krave Antiques has dated this Antique Barrister Wig Tin to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1211679
Dealers Internal Ref
ABWT3579
Krave Antiques
Krave Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Krave antiques are an online retailer that specialise in finding rare and unique items that you will fall in love with

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Krave Antiques Profile Page

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An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
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Archive I An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.

Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.

Archive II An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View II
Archive III An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View III
Archive IV An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View IV
Archive V An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View V
Archive VI An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View VI
Archive VII An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View VII
Archive VIII An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View VIII
Archive IX An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View IX
Archive X An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View X
Archive XI An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XI
Archive XII An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XII
Archive XIII An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XIV
Archive XV An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XV
Archive XVI An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XVI
Archive XVII An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk. View XVII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07484 851259
Location
Peasedown St John
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 100
Items Sold 549
Krave Antiques
Krave Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
100
Sold
549
An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
Antique English Barrister's Wig & Large Tin. Ravenscroft Law. Town Clerk.
Ref: SA1211679
An antique legal set comprising a woven horsehair barrister wig on a metal stand beside a cylindrical black tin carrying case with cream lettering reading Eric C. Holmes Town Clerk.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Legal wigs became standard court attire in Britain during the late seventeenth century to maintain formality and anonymity within the court. Custom-made metal tins were manufactured alongside them to protect and transport the horsehair wigs, often hand-painted with the owners name and official title.

Authentic court wigs from this period were crafted primarily from hand-woven horsehair, featuring curled rows and tied tails. The storage cases were typically made from painted or japanned sheet iron or tin, fitted with brass carrying handles, latches, and internal stands.

Genuine antique examples feature woven horsehair construction rather than synthetic fibers, often accompanied by makers labels from established legal haberdashers inside the crown or box lid. The storage tins typically display hand-painted gilt or cream lettering, period lock mechanisms, and visible signs of historical solder or rivets.

These historical objects function well as focal accents on dark wood bookshelves, executive desks, or inside glass display cabinets within study spaces. Placing the wig alongside its original labelled container creates an intriguing curio display within classic or dark academia interior schemes.

Dust the horsehair lightly using a soft-bristled brush, avoiding water or liquid cleansers that could damage the delicate weave or shape. The metal container should be wiped with a dry microfiber cloth to clean the painted surface without lifting delicate hand-lettering or accelerating oxidisation.
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