Square hat with the initials WHT London, signed by LOCK & Co.

Square hat in cowel leather, leather lid with brass sewn buckle on metal lock with signature “SECURE LEVER”, functional latch closure and non-existing locking key, burgundy silk top interior and pork leather case. Handle. The hatbox is signed by “LOCK & Co, ST. JAMES ST.” Lock & Co. is the oldest hat shop in the world, the 34th oldest family business in the world and holds a royal order. Its shop has been located on 6 St James’s Street since 1765. The company was founded in 1676 by Robert Davis. His son Charles continued the business and took James Lock (1731–1806) as an apprentice in 1747. James later married Charles Davis’ only daughter, Mary. When Davis died in 1759, James Lock inherited the company from his former master. The Lock family and James’ descendants still own and run the company today. As an anecdote, the company is responsible for the origin of the bowler.