Victorian drapers’ shop treasures uncovered after decades

A remarkable collection of fittings from a Victorian drapers' shop that closed more than 80 years ago attracted strong interest when it went under the hammer at Chilcotts' Good Antiques and 20th Century Design sale on July 11.

The collection, which included a rare corset display under a glass dome and an original hatbox, came from Luxmoore's, a well-known drapers and milliners on Ilfracombe High Street. Established in 1888 by the Luxmoore family, originally from Plymouth, the shop remained a fixture of the town until it closed in the 1940s. Many of its fittings were then stored at the family's Mid Devon farm, where they remained untouched for decades before recently being consigned for auction.

The standout lot was an exceptionally rare late 19th century corset display mounted on a black satin mannequin embroidered with the words The Celebrated CB Corsets – Corsets de Première Qualité Soignès a la Dernière Mode. The heavily boned and laced corset was manufactured by Charles Bayer & Co, whose founder established the CB Corsets business in Bath after emigrating from Germany. A similar display can be seen at Killerton House.

Its rarity made it difficult to value, with Chilcotts estimating it would sell for between £300 and £500. Competitive bidding saw it achieve £1,700.

Other items from the collection also found buyers, including a mid-20th century J & P Coats cotton reel haberdashery display cabinet with nine glass-fronted drawers, some still containing original Clarks Anchor cotton reels, which sold for £200. An early 20th century oval hatbox, stencilled with the shop's name and address, realised £35.

Liz Chilcott said: "This was a fascinating glimpse into the world of drapers and milliners from that period. It was quite an unexpected discovery, as the items had remained untouched in the farmhouse for many decades.

"Recovering them was an adventure in itself. The farm track was too rough for our van to reach the house, so the farmer transported our team and the items on a farm vehicle for the final part of the journey."

Although based in Honiton, Chilcotts also serves clients across North and Mid Devon, holding monthly valuation days in Barnstaple and Tiverton. The next Collectors' Items auction will take place at the Dolphin Saleroom in Honiton High Street on August 15.