nice edwardian doublet...

**Tobus** · 18th January 12, 07:43 AM

Two points on that front. First, there is a fair amount of wear on the jacket. Look at the points of the lapels for instance. It's seen it's fair share of pressings to be sure.

I can see that it's been pressed, yes, but it sure doesn't look to me like 100 years worth. I have items in my closet less than 5 years old which already show similar 'printing' of the hems from pressing.

Looking at the back flaps, there appears to be some minor damage - perhaps moth - on the right flap next to the left-most ribbon and on the left flap below the center ribbon.

Hmm, the one on the right flap looks to me like just a loose thread. I see several other spots next to the ribbons like that, and I just assumed that they were bits of thread from the stitching. On the left flap, I see where you're talking about, but it looks like just a speck of something on the flap, not necessarily damage. Hard to tell from these pics!

One of the main things that would surprise me about this, if it is indeed of Edwadian vintage, is the condition of the ribbon itself. I've never seen ribbon trimmings on garments older than 50 years that look to be in that shape. They usually will have faded or started to look aged. I'm no expert by any means, but the cloth and ribbons show virtually no 'wear and tear', no fading, and no signs of ever having been worn.

Even the lining of the waistcoat seems too brightly white to be that old. I would expect it to be very yellowed from age. It just doesn't look right to me, but I fully admit I could be wrong.

**artificer** · 18th January 12, 08:21 AM

We're all assuming that just because it's old that it's been worn a lot. When my grandfather died, we discovered several sport coats (and ties and two hats) hanging in garment bags in the back of a downstairs hall closet that had probably been there since the late 1940s or VERY early 50s that looked brand new.

Maybe this was worn once or twice to a highland ball and then stowed away for several decades.

**CelticSire** · 18th January 12, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

That is a nice doublet. And I love the waistcoat! Oh, why don't they make them like that any longer?

I AGREE! If there were only someway we had access to mills and tailors and seamstresses and historians... :-) Maybe a new project for someone?

**creagdhubh** · 18th January 12, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I can see that it's been pressed, yes, but it sure doesn't look to me like 100 years worth. I have items in my closet less than 5 years old which already show similar 'printing' of the hems from pressing.

Hmm, the one on the right flap looks to me like just a loose thread. I see several other spots next to the ribbons like that, and I just assumed that they were bits of thread from the stitching. On the left flap, I see where you're talking about, but it looks like just a speck of something on the flap, not necessarily damage. Hard to tell from these pics!

One of the main things that would surprise me about this, if it is indeed of Edwadian vintage, is the condition of the ribbon itself. I've never seen ribbon trimmings on garments older than 50 years that look to be in that shape. They usually will have faded or started to look aged. I'm no expert by any means, but the cloth and ribbons show virtually no 'wear and tear', no fading, and no signs of ever having been worn.

Even the lining of the waistcoat seems too brightly white to be that old. I would expect it to be very yellowed from age. It just doesn't look right to me, but I fully admit I could be wrong.

I concur with Tobus. Something feels a wee bit dodgy on this one, but hey, I could be wrong.

**JSFMACLJR** · 18th January 12, 10:02 AM

I have absolutely no doubt about the antiquity, authenticity, and provenence of this doublet. My London tailor is Meyer & Mortimer, the maker of this doublet ( now moved to Sackville Street from Conduit Street ), and a quick check there informs me that yes it was made by the firm.

**creagdhubh** · 18th January 12, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

I have absolutely no doubt about the antiquity, authenticity, and provenence of this doublet. My London tailor is Meyer & Mortimer, the maker of this doublet ( now moved to Sackville Street from Conduit Street ), and a quick check there informs me that yes it was made by the firm.

Wonderful, Sandy! Well, that settles it then, doesn't it? It is a fine looking doublet indeed.

Kind regards,

**Silent Raven** · 18th January 12, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

That is a nice doublet. And I love the waistcoat! Oh, why don't they make them like that any longer?

*** on the awesomeness of the vest!

**artificer** · 18th January 12, 10:10 AM

The question comes to mind- How would representing this doublet as an old one generate more money than selling it as a brand new one of (to look at it) very quality construction?

edit: beaten to the punch by Sandy while I was distracted elsewhere on the interwebz.

ith:

**Tobus** · 18th January 12, 11:52 AM

If it's genuine beyond all doubt, that's cool. But to address a question:

How would representing this doublet as an old one generate more money than selling it as a brand new one of (to look at it) very quality construction?

Oh, come now! Surely you are aware that anything "vintage" or "antique" is automatically worth more than its modern counterpart?

**artificer** · 18th January 12, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

If it's genuine beyond all doubt, that's cool. But to address a question:

Oh, come now! Surely you are aware that anything "vintage" or "antique" is automatically worth more than its modern counterpart?

Not generally in clothing, no. Not unless it's from a particularly collectable label or a famous design.

In fact I very recently purchased a tweed jacket (not Harris) made on Savile Row for under $50US because it was used. For that kind of money I couldn't buy the buttons new from that same Savile Row tailor.

ith: