Chinese Dynasty Qing Imperial Hat 1644-1910

[kennethc]

Here is a rare Helmet from my collection.
An Original Chinese Imperial Office Hat RANK#2 (Lt. General Rank)

Ken

[kennethc]

Secret Compartment

This is the place where the officer keep their "Dog-Tag"
made of Gold and Jade.

Ken

[kennethc]

helmet/hat Maker in Beijing. This hat was made during ~1860

I've to cover certain portion to prevent fakers.

[kennethc]

The Emperor...

[kennethc]

rear view..

[kennethc]

metal part

[Rick Research]

I've never seen one of these except in the movies!

Should we ask how it came West?

[McCulloh]

Very cool! That's also the first real one I have ever seen. I veteran of the Arrow War or the Taiping Rebellion perhaps?

[kennethc]

Yes, it's a rare bird.
I got a positive confirmation from UK historian/Researcher: Valery Garrett(UK)
of its authenticity.

My contact from China got it for me.
The original owner thought it was a 7th-8th rank hat.
The family finally let it go.

Ken

[SgtB]

That is too cool Ken! I can really appreciate how tough it is to find
a rare bird like that in that condition. A real museum piece.

[kennethc]

it is extremely tough especially many 'veteran' families in rural area have less knowledge about it. Those people either try to let it go for ridiculous xxmillion US dollars or trade it for merely few hundred chinese yuens. It is all depend on luck.
This was the only time, I encountered such a rare case.
One of the mandarin highest ranking Qing Dynasty hats in private collection.
Ken

That is too cool Ken! I can really appreciate how tough it is to find
a rare bird like that in that condition. A real museum piece.

[Greg Sebring]

Ken,

Is the black item pictured in photo#9 the storage case ? How did you get it to the U.S. without customs tearing it all to h*ll? It's a very interesting piece.

Greg