~ A c1910 Cased Bicorn with epaulettes (inc. and original wrapping) ~
The case is the typical tin japanned design, and is gold painted with the original owners name “Lt Chandler RN”.
The plush bicorn has a black, pleated silk cockade with a gold bullion coil to the centre, pleated silk liner with leather band. There are the usual bullion coils at either end.
There is a makers mark inside the bicorn for “Gillot and Hasell” with the address of the shop “2 NEW BURLINGTON STREET LONDON & 112 HIGH STREET PORTSMOUTH”.
The bicorn and epaulettes have kings crown buttons. They are of typical design, with golden bullion coil edges, and a royal naval Kings Crown button to the end. There is a chained anchor to the centre.
On the back of the epaulettes is a stamp “BY APPOINTMENT” “GIEVE’S LTD LONDON AND PORTSMOUTH”. Also, each has a stamp with “LEFT” AND “RIGHT”.
2/3 of the original wrapping paper was preserved. On the paper you can reed “ESTABLISHED A.D. 1886. Anthony De Giorgio & Co.” “ROYAL NAVAL TAILORS AND OUTFITTER”. The address is incomplete “25, STRADA SAN G… VALLETT…” no doubt for Valletta, Malta.
Inside is a photo of Lt. Chandler in his uniform wearing the bicorn and epaulettes.
~ Dimensions ~
The case has a width of 18 inches (45.75cm), a depth of 9 inches (22.75cm) and a height of 10.5 inches (26.5cm).
The bicorn measures 16.8 inches (43 cm) for to aft with a height of 6 inches (15.25cm) and width of 6.8 inches (17.10 cm). The internal circumference is 18 inches (65.8 cm).
The wrapping paper size in 21/17 inches (51.1 cm)
The complete set weighs 2.210 Kg in total.
~ Condition ~
The bicorn is in a very good, clean condition with no tearing or damage. The bullion is very decent as are the epaulettes. The case some exterior wear, such as colour loss and patches of rust. It opens and closes well.