The Baird Jewels and Archive

The General Officer’s bicorne hat worn by Sir David Baird at the Battle of Corunna

A General Officer’s fine bicorne hat, 24ins. wide, 10ins. high in front, 12ins. at the back, bearing a fine star-loop in gold wire, with General Officer’s button, convex, closed-back type by Charles Jennens, leather internal headband and crimson silk lining inscribed JUPP. HATTER to the ROYAL FAMILY No. (?) Old Bond St., LONDON, lacking tassels; together with its regulation upright white-over-red feather plume, 13.5ins. high, tip stem lacking (2) £4000-5000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Baird Jewels and Archive including Tipu Sultan's Sword.

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This hat has always been recorded as the one worn by Sir David Baird during the Corunna operations of 1808-09, a fact that is verified by a statement in the accession books at the National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.

Joseph Jupp is listed in the 1802 London Trade Directory as “Hatter to the Royal Family” at 7, Old Bond Street. The following year he was shown as “hatter to Her Majesty” at the same address. In 1805 he moved to 5, Old Bond Street, and in 1808 was described as “Hatter to Their Majesties”. At some time between 1822 and 1830 he moved again, to 222, Regent Street.