Contact Seller
Pareglio & Ayres Antiques
+44 (0)755 4708628Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+4 (0)755 4708628
Rare Toleware Bicorn Hat Military Trade Sign
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.
Pareglio & Ayres Antiques Interiors, located in Canterbury, Kent, UK and with a base in Italy just under an hour from Milan.
Please contact us before making a special trip to us.
SellerPareglio & Ayres Antiques
View all stock from
Pareglio & Ayres Antiques
102 Wincheap
Canterbury
Kent
England, UK
CT1 3RS
Tel : +44 (0)755 4708628
Non UK callers : +4 (0)755 4708628
Get directions to Pareglio & Ayres Antiques
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.
Pareglio & Ayres Antiques Interiors, located in Canterbury, Kent, UK and with a base in Italy just under an hour from Milan.
Please contact us before making a special trip to us.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 16/JUL/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Category Advertising Antiques
Date Circa 1810
19th Century Antiques Material Toleware
Item code as1148a277
Status For Sale
£1150.00 
$1551.24
€1355.62
$1551.24
€1355.62
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 16/JUL/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We can normally organise delivery throughout UK. Please contact us for a quote to your postal code.
For Europe and Worldwide, we are able to recommend reputable shipping companies and obtain shipping quotes for you, or customers may select their own company to organise collection from us and their own shipping.
For Europe and Worldwide, we are able to recommend reputable shipping companies and obtain shipping quotes for you, or customers may select their own company to organise collection from us and their own shipping.
Terms and conditions
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.
We can normally organise delivery throughout UK. Please contact us for a quote to your postal code.
For Europe and Worldwide, we are able to recommend reputable shipping companies and obtain shipping quotes for you, or customers may select their own company to organise collection from us and their own shipping.
Return Policy for Distance Selling to Consumers
Satisfying our customers is very important to us and we are committed to complying with legislation for the protection of online buyers and also to protect ourselves and our valuable stock from any type of return fraud.
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 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 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.
By paying for one of our items, you agree to the terms and conditions above.
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.
We can normally organise delivery throughout UK. Please contact us for a quote to your postal code.
For Europe and Worldwide, we are able to recommend reputable shipping companies and obtain shipping quotes for you, or customers may select their own company to organise collection from us and their own shipping.
Return Policy for Distance Selling to Consumers
Satisfying our customers is very important to us and we are committed to complying with legislation for the protection of online buyers and also to protect ourselves and our valuable stock from any type of return fraud.
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 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 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.
By paying for one of our items, you agree to the terms and conditions above.
View all stock from
Pareglio & Ayres Antiques
102 WincheapCanterbury
Kent
England, UK
CT1 3RS
Tel : +44 (0)755 4708628
Non UK callers : +4 (0)755 4708628
Get directions to Pareglio & Ayres Antiques
You may also be interested in
Cigar Store American Indians, Shop Trade Signs
1950s Hand Painted Jeweller’s Shop Sign
Early 20thc carved shop sign ‘The Baldock Gallery'
Ice Cream Advertising Sign, Funky Quirky Nostalgic
Set Four Amazing Huge 19th C Antique Shop Signs
19th Century Trade Sign Letter Box, Locksmith.
A Collection of Pre Decimal Grocers Price Labels
Model of Kissel Gold Bug Speedster, Trade Sign
Rare Midland Counties Ice Cream & Lollies Sign
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