Original 18th Century British Royal Naval Officer Collection- Bicorn Hat with Will Dated 1783 Original Items

Original Items: One-of-a-kind Set. Well we never felt we’d have anything like this. An absolutely original extremely rare British Royal Naval officer’s late 18th Century bicorn felt hat, worn side to side, retaining the complete brown silk lining, beaver pelt fur interior, laced embroidery to front displaying a correct brass gilded “Fouled Anchor” button denoting the Officer’s authority in the British Navy. This all-original Bicorn hat is offered in amazing condition considering its age. The rear felt showing some moth trail damage but remarkable for 225 years (or more), a couple of minor tears to the felt at the edges but in overall wonderful collectible condition.

Only just received from a private English collection also comes this the Naval form WILL of one “WILLIAM BENNET MILLER” of Middlesex bequeathing-

All sum or sums of money which may hereafter be due to me for Prize Money,

Wages of otherwise….. to my Mother, Ann Miller of the Parish of……..

Dated 7th November 1783 the will is signed by three witnesses.

The Bicorn Hat absent of a mess of gold braid is most likely for a lieutenant or perhaps a Midshipman who being maybe only 14 years of age would not yet have been married and logically thereby would be leaving his estate such as it was, to his mother. A lot of great research potential here.

Just what was used at the time of the file “Master and Commander”, and at such battles of “The Glorious 1st June” 1794, “The Battle of the Nile”, “The Battle of Copenhagen” and of course, at the most famous Sea battle of all time, “The Battle of Trafalgar” in 1805.

Amazing original items, an offering never to be repeated!