Antique Victorian Court Dress Cocked Moleskin Bicorn Hat c1880

Here on offer is an antique Victorian Court dress cocked bicorn (or bicorne) hat, circa 1880.

It is made from moleskin with black silk and cut steel decoration, by John Morgan & Co. of 5 Albemarle Street, London.

The inside has a padded black silk lining and the maker’s details printed in gold lettering along with the Royal Warrant:

J. MORGAN & CO.
5, ALBEMARLE ST.
LONDON. W.



The hat can be folded flat when not in use.

It is still in remarkably good condition, with wear to the edges, especially the folds and the tips of both ends. Often the steel trims are rusted but this one is still bright. It must have been stored very well over the years.

A great piece for display and could possibly be worn for period costume, if treated carefully.

Size around the inside is approximately 21" (53cm), that is the size of the glass head it is displayed on.

It measures 17.3" (44cm) long end to end and weighs 280g.

Some history regarding John Morgan & Co.

Founded in 1825, John Morgan & Co quickly established itself as one of the finest producers of gentlemen’s clothing in Europe, tailoring for British Prime Ministers and the aristocracy before being awarded a Royal Warrant from the King of Hanover and Queen Victoria.

John Morgan owns the distinction of concurrently acting as tailor to US President John F. Kennedy and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan at the height of the Cold War. John Le Carré, who wrote unforgettable spy thrillers of that era, was also a customer.

John Morgan & Co began trading from 5 Albemarle Street, London in 1825. The tailoring house quickly established itself as one of Europe’s finest clothiers, tailoring for British Prime Minister George Canning, before his death in 1827. Prime Minister and 3rd Viscount Palmerston Henry John Temple was also an early customer.
The reputation of the company continued to grow when in 1836 John Morgan & Co was awarded a Royal Warrant from the King of Hanover Prince Ernest Augustus, the younger brother of King George IV and King William IV. John Morgan also claimed the Duke of Cambridge, another of the kings’ brothers, as a customer.

John Morgan was appointed the official London Tailors to the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign’s bodyguard in Scotland, and for 100 years was tailor to the Bank of England. John Morgan & Co also received the Royal Warrant for Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort.

Customers have included noted criminologist Sir Leon Radzinowicz, Field Marshal Lord William Slim, Lord Chief Justice Baron Widgery, US President John F. Kennedy, British Prime Minister, and Lord Stockton Harold Macmillan, and noted novelists John Le Carré and Agatha Christie.
During WW2, Luftwaffe aircraft twice bombed the shop, but John Morgan & Co rebuilt and remains to this day one of the greatest names in bespoke British tailoring offering gentlemen of discernment handmade clothes of the finest quality.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51873