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Materials: Coat & Breeches:
Black silk velvet, 16 buttons and 2 buckles of cut steel and marcasite,
12 MOP buttons, ivory silk twill breeches lining, ivory silk satin and
black silk satin coat linings. Bicorn hat: black fur felt, black
gros-grain ribbon, cut steel and marcasite decoration, black silk
taffeta lining.
Provenance: Bespoke suit made for Lord
John Talbot Clifton. Lord Clifton had several titles and castles in
Scotland and England. His was Squire of Lytham Hall (now part of the
National Trust) from 1889 to 1928. Lytham is an idyllic sea-side resort
on the Lancashire coast. Squire Clifton oversaw many improvements to the
surrounding town in the late 19th, early 20th centuries. John Talbot
Clifton was also Lord of the Manor of Anstey and Kildalton Castle on the
Isle of Islay in Scotland.
Labels: Printed linen, "Henry Poole
& Co. 37, 38, 39 Saville Row, London, W. 1907_______No. 7199
J. Talbot Clifton Esq." Stamped gold on black in hat, "F.P.
Scholte 3, Cork Street London, W".
Condition: Nearly Perfect; slight wear
to neck lining.
Measurements: Coat: Sh-Sh, 17.5";
Chest, 42"; Front L, 21.5"; Back L, 44"; Slv L,
27.5". Breeches: W, 39"; L, 32.5".
Comments: England's beloved
monarch, Edward VII, was on the throne when Squire John Henry Clifton
wore this bespoke suit to court in 1907. Bespoke is the term used for a
gentleman's custom made clothing (bespoke for men, couture for women).
This suit is beautifully tailored, all finishing is done by hand. The
black velvet has deep blue accents. The tail coat's lining has wonderful
concentric quilting. The suit is cut in the 18th century style that was
used for formal court presentations. Suit is photographed with a white
shirt that is not original to this court costume. Squire Clifton's three
piece court suit has been in a private collection for the past 50 years.
Aristocratic men's clothing with impeccable provenance and in perfect
condition are the scarcest of garments for the serious costume
collector. Historically important and museum quality.
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