~ Edwardian Deputy Lieutenant Bicorn & Photograph Of The Original Owner ~
The silk lined bicorn is of an unusual design, rather than the typical gold braid it has thick silver bullion work with oak leaves and acorns. There is a silver Kings crown button to the lower part of the braid indicating some sort of formal service. It is fitted with silver bullion tassels to either end. There is just a trace of the milners stamp remaining but not enough to identify them,
The photograph in its original carved oak frame – depicts an officer with a Royal navy pattern sword and uniform, holding this bicorn to his side. He has two loops to his sleeve but without the usual rings above. His sword belt buckle has the Royal Navy fouled anchor under the Kings crown. It has been signed to the lower right, I cannot make out the signature but beneath is ‘Chatham’.
~ Dimensions ~
The bicorn measures 17 inches (43.2 cm) fore to aft with a height of 6 inches (15.25 cm) and width of 6.7 inches (17.2 cm). The internal circumference is 18 inches (65.8 cm).
The frame has a height of 16.6 inches (42.2 cm), a width of 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) & a depth of 0.6 inches (1.4 cm). The photograph has a height of 8 inches (20.3 cm) & a width of 4 inches (10.2 cm).
The set weighs 1.10 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The bicorn is quite fragile; it has a number of tears along the back edge. A large amount of the felt is missing. There was a makers mark inside the bicorn but it has been worn out, with much of the inner lining remaining with a few rips.
The frame is in good order. The photograph remains clear and in excellent condition.