BORCHERT Antique Hat Box, Berlin, ca. 1910

This rare oval hat box from C. W. Borchert, Berlin, the prestigious Court Supplier (Hoflieferant) to the German Emperor and King, is an exceptional surviving example of imperial‑era luxury retail. The box originates from the company’s historic address at Friedrichstraße 157, one of Berlin’s most important commercial streets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The hat box is crafted in the classic oval form, showing authentic storage and usage wear consistent with its age. A particularly valuable detail is the original paper label bearing the name of the recipient to whom the hat box and its contents were delivered — a rare and desirable feature for collectors of imperial German accessories and court supplier memorabilia.

Hat boxes from C. W. Borchert are extremely scarce today, as most were discarded after use. This example offers both historical provenance and material authenticity, making it a significant piece for collectors of German Empire fashion history, Berlin luxury retailers, and Hoflieferant artefacts.

Court Supplier to the German Emperor and King – Friedrichstraße 157, Berlin

Borchert of Berlin was a prestigious German court supplier (Hoflieferant) active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company operated from the prominent address Friedrichstraße 157, one of the most important commercial streets in imperial Berlin. As an officially appointed Purveyor to the Court of His Majesty the German Emperor and King of Prussia, Borchert belonged to the elite circle of manufacturers and retailers who were authorized to supply the Kaiserhof with luxury goods.

Although detailed archival records are scarce, Borchert is documented as a high‑quality Berlin manufacturer and retailer, known for producing and selling fine leather goods, uniforms, accessories, and items of personal equipment for the imperial household and the Prussian officer class. The company’s products typically carried the prestigious designation:

“Königlich Preußischer Hoflieferant”
“Hoflieferant Sr. Majestät des Kaisers und Königs”

This title was granted only to businesses that demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and consistent service to the imperial court.