Expensive wigs and proven ways to steal them (10 photos)

A cry was heard throughout the country: “Oh, they stole my wig!” Who and why needed to organize such dangerous, daring robberies? And, most importantly, how were they implemented?





Nowadays there are no problems with purchasing a wig. Absolutely. In specialized stores you can buy any wigs, bangs, hairpieces and other hairpieces. You can order an expensive product made from natural hair or purchase a whole set made by the hands of hardworking, but not very neat Chinese.



But in the 18th century, wigs were a mandatory element of the image of the nobility and were expensive. And wearers should be wary of any hands that get too close to the precious artificial hair. For the simple reason that the playful fingers could belong to the wig thief.





An engraving from 1776 shows one of the carefully planned hair thefts. A wealthy woman walks along the high wall of an orchard. The look is fashion's latest whimper - a huge wig decorated with lush lace and ribbons. Suddenly, the intricately combed and curled hair is removed from the head by a monkey sitting on the wall. And he exposes the lady’s almost bald head.



Socialites had to be especially careful. Throughout Europe, finely powdered, curled periwigs were in vogue at courts and among the upper classes. The more ornate and tall the wig, the higher the social status of its owner. Expensive false hairstyles provoked a whole series of thefts. I must say, surprisingly sophisticated and creative, with the participation of animals, children and the use of long poles.

One of the most successful wig theft schemes involved hiding boys in baskets and under blankets. In one episode that took place in England, a boy was hiding in a butcher's stall, which was carried on the shoulder of a tall man. As the couple walked past the victim, the child would carefully remove the wig from her head and the man would walk away in the opposite direction, leaving the confused owner clutching his bald head.

The same tactics were used with the boys hidden in baskets held by the wig snatchers.



In addition to monkeys, wig thieves also used dogs. One boy pestered an elegantly dressed gentleman, distracting him, while another took his hair and threw it to the dog. The criminal trio scattered to different alleys and later met to celebrate their small criminal triumph. At the same time, the bald victim was often more concerned with covering his head and pride than with running after the thieves.



The elite of both France and England also had to be wary of the bandits who roamed the country roads. Thieves hid behind the backs of carriages that were forced to roll slowly along narrow and poorly paved roads, and broke through the back to steal the wig from the head of the passenger. Thieves on horseback also attacked the carriages, took away the wigs and quickly left.



Some, of course, were caught. But most of the wig thieves remained unpunished. For example, Christopher Matthews was accused of stealing a valuable wig in 1716, and, judging by the reports, there was little doubt that he had committed the crime. But the prosecution's main witness strangely failed to appear at trial, and the jury was forced to acquit him. It is believed Matthews may have been involved in the witness's absence.



To prevent theft, special security measures had to be used. Craftsmen sometimes added a cord or a small strap with a buckle to the back so that the owner could secure the accessory more tightly.



As elaborate, tall, and expensive wigs went out of fashion, they also lost their value. And inventive conspiracies to steal them became a thing of the past, being replaced by schemes to steal other things that became fashionable, necessary and desirable.