Military Toleware Bicorn Hat Trade Sign - 19th Century

This is a piece of historical folk art, specifically a large military shop display sign designed to catch the eye from the street. It is modelled 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, from the first quarter of the 19th century, is crafted from toleware (painted or lacquered sheet metal, typically tin or iron), a durable material often used for outdoor signage in the 1800s.

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 losses on the underside, surface oxidation and paint loss, is commensurate with its age and long-term use as an outdoor fixture.

The untouched original painted finish is in remarkable condition.

Items like this are highly sought after by collectors of militaria, advertising history, and folk art.

The wall mounting bracket and rum barrel showing in the images are not included. However, the sign comes with a U shaped wall mounting bracket which can be used for display.

Unless individually specified, prices do not include delivery costs.

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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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Buyers have the right to ask to return an item purchased from us within 14 days of receiving the goods. The item can be returned for the full purchase price, provided that the item:

a) is in the same original condition;

b) is not different from what was shipped;

c) has not been used.

Buyers are responsible for the costs of return shipping, packaging, insurance, seller's customs clearance fees, and any non-refundable import duties incurred and, when the shipping is organized by us, must utilize the same shipping method used when the goods were dispatched (any upgrade of the shipping service is acceptable but should be agreed with us first).

A refund of the full purchase price paid to us, minus the costs listed above, 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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