FR EN
1 / 3
a black hat with a black band and a black hat with a black band and a black hat with a black band and a black hat with a blacka black hat on a white table with a tag on ita black hat on a white table with a receipt
Balsan Encheres

543 - FRANCE – BICORNE of the CONFRERIE des CHARITABLES de SAINT E…
See original version (French)

Estimate €30
Sale commission
Description
FRANCE – BICORNE of the CONFRERIE des CHARITABLES de SAINT ELOI ( * ) of BETHUNE (62) – Double-cornered hat with upturned brims, made of black wool felt, edged with a black ribbon, with a band of the same fabric across the top and a covered black button. Lining in black satin. Width: 42 cm – Depth: 20.5 cm – Height: 14 cm – Size 56. THE BICORNE IS ACCOMPANIED by a letterhead card, handwritten and signed by Provost Michel Drux, dated 1 December 1995, “wishing you a safe receipt”. ( * ) A brotherhood still active after more than 800 years of service. Founded in 1188 during the great plague epidemic. Its main mission is the voluntary burial of the deceased whilst wearing its distinctive attire: black robes and bicorne hat, white tie and gloves. According to legend, its members are placed under the protection of St Eloi, who shielded them and their families from contagion: “the plague shall not come near you, nor even your homes”.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale SALE OF COINS, BANKNOTES, MEDALS, CIVILIAN AND MILITARY HEADGEAR, INSIGNIA AND DECORATIONS – lots 300 to 598 Followed by OLD PAPERS, PHOTOGRAPHS, POSTCARDS, DOCUMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS – Lots 599 to 862
Auction location
Auction time 10/20/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like