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Footman's tailcoat and waistcoat - The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)

A very unusual and rare item.

Internal pocket tailor's label as follows: A & N C S L (Army & Navy Store Co-Operative Society Limted). 2nd Duke of Wellington's Regiment Footman. CUTR. Chapple. O.N. 5085 Date: 28/11/11

A dark blue high collar coat with double hook and eye fastening, each breast with five rows of black cord terminating with darkened regimental buttons - elephant standing on ground, trunk down, with a howdah on its back (for service in India). Lower false pocket flaps and false turn back cuffs with regimental buttons. Scarlet waistcoat with darkened regimental buttons (one absent). The waistcoat is fully lined with a fine pinstripe pattern matching the lining to the coat sleeves.

Overall excellent condition with only minor service wear. Coat has some virtually undetectable tiny marks, one small moth hole, and slight surface damage to some buttons - not noticeable unless scrutinised. Slight grubbiness to the waistcoat lining with areas of light staining, minor split outer seam at back of neck area and one absent button.

Having been in existence for nearly 300 years, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment has one of the proudest histories in the British Army and was the only Regiment to carry four Colours on parade in recognition of their battle honours. It was under Lord Cornwallis's Colonelcy in 1782 that the Regiment was first formally linked with the West Riding of Yorkshire, in recognition of its then already long established practice of recruiting from this part of the country. It became known as the 33rd (or 1st Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment. Subsequently it enjoyed a long and particularly close relationship with Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, and after his death in 1852, the Regiment was granted the title of 'The Duke of Wellington's Regiment' by Queen Victoria, a unique distinction as it is the only regiment in the Army to be named after a commoner.

NB. The Army & Navy Store Co-Operative Society Limited (A&N CSL) was set up in 1871 by a group of army and naval officers who decided they were paying too much for their wine. By clubbing together and buying wholesale, they reduced the price. The concept was expanded to include many other things, everything from food and drink to clothing, furniture, sporting goods, luggage and toys. The first store was opened at 105 Victoria Street, London and the Society quickly blossomed with depots at important army bases and ports. A large demand from members in India resulted in stores opening in Bombay in 1891, Karachi in 1892 and Calcutta in 1901. The Society's name changed in 1934 to The Army & Navy Stores Ltd. and eventually were taken over by The House of Frazer in 1981.

£180.00 + £14.95 P&P UK

Good overall condition for age. Just a few minor issues which mostly concern the inner fabric / lining including a small number of tiny moth holes. Those on the exterior mostly only visible under close scrutiny. Minor fraying to collar lining, one small tear to lining as illustrated. Also some wear and tear inside each cuff, not visible unless inspected. Slight staining / contact marks / abrasions commensurate with wear. Attractive on display.

NB. This is a small jacket, and although the chest measurement is approx. 42cms, the mannequin on which it is displayed is classed as teenage boy. The mannequin is also available to purchase - please enquire.

£110.00 + £8.50 P&P UK

Sealed pattern - Caps SD Officers Soft Straps Chin, Black

Clothing Inspection Division. Pattern No. 11570. “This label is on no account to be removed from the sample”.

On the reverse are handwritten names of the companies to whom the pattern was issued, together with date, and inspectors' signatures. Barrow Hepburn & Gale 18/04/44 and Blackman Leather Goods (part of BH&G) 24/07/45

Barrow Hepburn & Gale remains to this day an acclaimed British luxury leather goods manufacturer, best known for producing the despatch boxes for the UK Government. They are proud to claim that they have an unbroken chain of makers whose skills have been passed from one master craftsman to apprentice since 1760. For many many years the company was a supplier to the British Army for numerous items including saddles and bayonet scabbards etc.

This is a great example of the thoroughness of the MOD, demonstrating how even a small item like this chinstrap enjoys the same level of scrutiny as every other piece of kit. The wax seal has a few small cracks but remains firmly attached to the khaki cloth backing, the white cloth label is grubby and has some minor surface loss together with fold marks as can be seen - nevertheless a unique and interesting item.

Cloth label - H:19.2 x W:8.5cm £30.00 + £3.55 P&P UK

Mid century BEA (British European Airways) 'Air Hostess' hat

BEA was formed on 1st January 1946, and this scarce female hat with bullion badge complemented the early military style BEA cabin crew uniform before it was redesigned in 1960 at the birth of the Jet-Set era. BEA and BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) merged in 1974 to become British Airways.

Good vintage condition with one minor moth hole in crown and minor damage to lining which is colour faded throughout. Evidence of previous owner's name(s) obliterated by indelible marker. Some grubbiness and areas of yellow staining to the exterior along the crown, at the rear and along the 'ears'. Small area of stitching around the badge has come away. Displays well however, as the issues are not particularly obvious.

£140.00 + £4.45 P&P UK

NB. Same period BEA pilot's wings in Badges section.

Gretna Green rail disaster 22nd May 1915 - associated WWII officer's tunic named to Major N.G. Salvesen, The Royal Scots, grandson of Christian Salvesen

In early 1915, the 7th Battalion of The Royal Scots (Leith's Own) were on coastal defence duties in Scotland, and in March were re-assigned to 156 Brigade, initially for the Western Front, but subsequently posted as reinforcements to Gallipoli. On 22nd May, the Battalion left Larbert in two trains, one carrying the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Peebles with Battalion Headquarters together with B and C companies, and they arrived at their Liverpool destination without incident.

The second train carrying A and D Companies commanded by Major J.D.L. Hamilton and Captain A.M. Mitchell respectively, collided with a local passenger train that had been shunted onto the main line near Gretna Green at Quintinshill, to then be hit by an express train to Glasgow a minute later. Gas from the lighting system of the old wooden carriages of the troop train ignited, creating an inferno which engulfed the three passenger trains and two goods trains nearby.

Three Officers, twenty nine Non Commissioned Officers and one hundred and eighty two men were killed, including Major Hamilton and Captain Mitchell. in total, 226 people died and 246 were injured.

The deaths included the engine crew of the troop train, 2 passengers on the local train and 7 passengers on the express train, with a further 51 passengers and 3 members of railway staff seriously injured. The surviving officers and men were taken to Carlisle on the evening of 22nd May before being re-dispatched to Liverpool the next morning. On arrival they were each given a medical examination and all the enlisted ranks plus one officer were declared unfit for overseas service and returned to Edinburgh.

The accident was caused by gross malpractice on the part of two signalmen, George Meakin and James Tinsley who were subsequently imprisoned for ‘culpable homicide’. Between them they had a devious arrangement allowing whoever was working the early shift to arrive later without being detected by management. Tragically, on this particular day both trains were running late and serious errors by Meakin and Tinsley compounded by the laxity of the fireman of the local train, George Hutchinson, resulted in what remains the worst rail crash in terms of loss of life, in the UK.

One of the seven young officers who was injured in the rail disaster was 2nd Lieutenant Noel Graham Salvesen, grandson of Christian Salvesen, owner of the shipping and whaling company based in Leith. Noel's cousin, Lt. Christian Raymond Salveson was killed. Noel went on to serve with the Royal Scots in WWII, attaining the rank of Major in the Intelligence Corps and was awarded the MBE. He died in 1971.

We are delighted to be able to offer for sale this WWII service dress tunic belonging to Major Noel Graham Salvesen which has been exhibited at the Samlesbury Hall WWI exhibition 2014 - 2021.

A single breasted Scottish pattern cut away tunic with two pleated breast pockets, two lower shirt pockets, belt hooks, open lapel and with Internal tailor's label from W.M. Anderson & Sons Ltd. Edinburgh & Glasgow on which is handwritten in ink: MAJ. N.G. SALVESEN 355707 R. OCT 1940.

Tailored from quality material and generally in good condition but with minor faults (some of which are pictured) as follows: Small areas of mothing in a number of places but generally confined to isolated tiny holes and not immediately obvious. The lining has some minor tears and the right hand sleeve is frayed at the cuff. There is a surface abrasion to the front of the right shoulder. When the tunic was originally acquired, the stitching on the right hand epaulette was loose and the major's crown absent. The epaulette was carefully re-stitched for display purposes.

This is without doubt a unique opportunity to purchase an item with important and fascinating historical connections. Much interesting information can be found about Christian Salvesen online. The Quintinshill rail disaster is also well documented and includes a number of video documentaries.

SOLD

Interwar blue Patrol Tunic named to Capt. A. Robertson 2nd Battalion Royal Scots - an Old Contemptible

A single breasted high collar tunic with patch pockets to the chest with buttoned flaps and lower patch pockets with plain flaps. Silvered and gilt Royal Scots collar badges, gilt and enamel captain's rank stars. 1914 trio medal ribbons with rosette on star. Internal tailor’s label from J.B. Johnstone Ltd. London & Dublin on which is handwritten in ink: Capt. A. Robertson 2/The Royal Scots 2630 29.07.24.

Extremely good condition. Only one very tiny hole which can be seen in the photo, left of the top button. The lining is in very good order and overall shows little evidence of wear.

The 2nd Battalion Royal Scots were based in Plymouth with 8th Brigade, 3rd Division when war broke out in August 1914. They sailed to France landing at Boulogne on 14th August and saw action at Mons, the rearguard action at Solesmes, Le Cateau, The Marne, The Aisne, La Bassee, Messines and the First Battle of Ypres, and had a continuing involvement in major battles on the Western Front until the end of the war. In August 1920, the 2nd Battalion was sent to Ireland for service in what would become known as the Anglo-Irish War and remained there until January 1922.

£75.00 + £8.50 P&P UK The mannequin can be purchased - please enquire.

Pre WWI brass button stick - West Riding Divisional Transport & Supply Column

Stamped W. R. DIVL T&S and low service number 92 (the 'L' in 'DIVL' is raised with an underscore). Manufactured by HIATT, a Birmingham company established c.1880 and associated with the manufacture of handcuffs. Age related surface marks and circular scratch around HIATT. Does not lie flat, otherwise good, cleaned condition. The West Riding Division was a formation of the Territorial Force created as a result of the army reforms of 1908. During WWI it was retitled as part of the Divisional Train, Army Service Corps.

£12.00 + £2.70 P&P UK