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Item: Antique 19th Century French Military / Diplomatic Bicorn Hat (Chapeau Bras)
Maker: Lebel-Stritter (Successor to Laber), Passage des Panoramas, Paris
Description: Exceptional authentic French bicorne hat dating from the mid-to-late 19th century. Constructed of fine black beaver felt/plush with wide patterned brocade trim along the outer edges. Features a pleated French tricolor ribbon cockade secured by an elaborate multi-strand beaded metallic loop and decorative rosetted button. The interior retains its original brown leather sweatband, pleated silk lining, and Maker’s Crest printed in gold leaf ((H. Bfr.) LEBEL-STRITTER, Passage des Panoramas, LABER Succr), along with stamped initials \"G M\".
Condition: Very good antique condition given its age. Felting remains dark and rich. The metallic beaded loop and cockade are intact with slight patina. Wear includes light fraying at the corner tips/edges of the brim trim (as shown in detailed photos) and minor age-toning to the internal silk lining. Structure holds its shape extremely well.
