Sunday 29 December 2013

Vintage 1930's Overcoat

I was recently up in the Peak District and whilst there I popped into a couple of charity shops as the father in law wanted a 'Crombie' for the winter for when takes a 'constitutional' to the local hostelery.
I saw this hanging on the rail in the very first shop after a quick check over I tried it on, basically to fit the father in law it had to be tight on me and a bit long on the arms, sadly for him it fit me perfectly...his loss my gain!...anyway it was/is probably not 'Crombie' enough and a little too ostentatious maybe for him?

The weight, quality of the cloth and fitted 'nipped in' cut of the coat plus a quite a bit of research have convinced me it's from the c1930's period, here's a few shots...sadly when photographing black clothing it can often look washed out, this coat is in fact very fresh looking indeed only having very slight wear on small areas of the 'leading edges' and a couple of small bits of stitching needing attention inside to the lining seams.

Front


Back

Inside pocket detail

Cuff button detail

Inside rear vent closure detail

Hanging strap with tailors details that I can't make out!!!

Exterior detail of rear vent closure

It's obviously a well made and I think bespoke coat with lots of hand finishing evident in it's construction.
It's since had a good brush and has come up a treat... a dry clean and getting the sleeves taken up and inch will see this one ready to wear, it'll be great for winter weddings etc.

If anyone can make out or recognises the tailors label please leave a comment or get in touch.


Thursday 26 December 2013

Seasons Greetings!

A bit belated but here's to Christmastime and all it entails.

 
Your blogger outside 'the local' on Christmas day after sampling a couple of the fine English ales on offer, 1950's-60's ginger tweed suit by Mairi Macintyre of Oban- Fort William, waistcoat a Gurteen item, 'Four Way' tie retailed by E & G Wilson, Killin, Scotland, Bedale brogue boots by Loakes.
 
 

Friday 6 December 2013

Myatt Vintage Open Comb Razor

I bought this off Ebay a while ago, the picture wasn't the best but I took a punt and was pleasantly surprised.
On arrival it was in better condition than I expected though it obviously needed a good clean and sterilizing.
Here's the before pictures;


As it arrived in a '7'o'Clock razor Bakelite box.


out of the box in it's component parts and not looking too bad.


and the reverse side with makers marks.



In it's box after a thorough clean and polish along with some unopened 7 'o' clock blades.


cleaned component parts.


front view


back view


top view, the handle may not be correct? the overall weight is good and it's one of three daily razors that are used in rotation, it actually shaves really well as many 'open comb' razors do.
Myatt were a Birmingham based manufacturer, W. J. Myatt & Co. Ltd. of Graham St who appeared to cease trading around 1947? 

Monday 2 December 2013

Vintage Pendleton shirt

I've long had a liking for 'Western' style shirts,  usually fitted with two pockets and 'pearl' snap fastenings they are an easy shirt to wear and the double pockets are very useful.
This woollen 'Pendleton' shirt I found a short while ago in a local charity shop, condition is /was excellent..in fact I seriously doubt it had ever been worn more than a couple times if at all.
Generally I can't wear wool next to my skin because the bloody stuff itches me like mad so it's handy that this shirt is big enough to wear a cotton undershirt, together in the cold weather they provide plenty of warmth- the colour and pattern also make it a good shirt for dining out, especially if you're eating anything with a tomato sauce base!!!


Front view showing double flapped pockets and 'pearl' snap fasteners.



Rear view showing 'western' shoulder yoke.




Collar detail showing pearl snap fastener.




Collar button with hand finished button hole.




Fastener detail.





Pendleton label, made in USA from 100% Virgin wool so post mid 1960's.





Dry cleaning label, you can see the satin edging this is also inside the collar but not inside the cuffs.