Immediately after the announcement, no less than 5 companies were pitching
for his business.
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "Quote from HJ Tucker 1901")
They too enclosed a price list but this time specifically aimed at a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry Volunteers.
Note the difference in the price of gloves: doeskin versus dogskin.
According to his surviving correspondence, Hebbert & Co Ltd were rewarded with an order from Ronald Robertson - two years later, when he purchased a 'cloth cape' in October 1903.
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "quote from Fisher 1901")
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "quote from Samuel Brothers")
Although they enclosed a handy 'Officers' Self-Measurement' guide (right), I think it unlikely that a young officer would ever attempt 'self-measurement' for his first uniform but it's a nice touch.
The last and successful approach was made by:
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "quote from Hobson & Sons 1901")
Hobson & Sons used a standard but professional, typed letter. It offered the Crickhowel based 2nd Lieutenant Robertson the convenience of using their agent Messrs Williams Bros Tailors of 145 Commercial Street, Newport for his measuring and fitting.
Ronald Robertson took quite some time to consider his options and eventually ordered his tunic and mess uniform from Hobson & Sons on 4th June 1901. Two days later, under the pressure of attending his first Brigade Camp at Porthcawl on 13th July, he submitted an order for the rest of his uniform:
Staggeringly, given the time frame, Hobson's managed
to fulfil most of Ronald's order before he left for
Brigade Camp. They only missed the deadline with the Great Coat and the
Sam Browne Belts and Sword Knot, but these items were ready for delivery a
week later.
From an announcement in the Gazette to possession of your full kit, it was quick work!
HJ Tucker, Military Tailor & Outfitter 137 Cheapside, London, EC.
HJ Tucker used a pre-printed and rather impersonal standard letter, accompanied by a generic estimate for a 2nd Lieutenant's uniform. The quote included the cost of a sword with either a 'best proved steel hilt and scabbard' or a more expensive plated version - 'to prevent rust'.
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "Quote from HJ Tucker 1901")
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "Quote from Hebbert & Co 1901")
HJ Tucker used a pre-printed and rather impersonal standard letter, accompanied by a generic estimate for a 2nd Lieutenant's uniform. The quote included the cost of a sword with either a 'best proved steel hilt and scabbard' or a more expensive plated version - 'to prevent rust'.
Hebbert & Co Ltd, Manufacturers of Army, Navy, Railway and
Police Cloths, Clothing, Caps & Accoutrements. Head Office: Bethnal Green Road, London, E. Telephone No. 909 London
Wall.
Unlike Mr Tucker, Hebbert & Co were on the phone. Hebbert’s approach was more personal: a handwritten letter, signed by H G
Brightwell of No. 24 Cecil Court, Charing Cross Road, London.
They too enclosed a price list but this time specifically aimed at a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry Volunteers.
Note the difference in the price of gloves: doeskin versus dogskin.
According to his surviving correspondence, Hebbert & Co Ltd were rewarded with an order from Ronald Robertson - two years later, when he purchased a 'cloth cape' in October 1903.
J Fisher, Army and Volunteer Contractor 33 & 34 Artillery Place, Woolwich.
Fisher specialised in second hand goods. His 'Circular' did not
advertise a phone number nor did it contain a separate price list.
Instead, J Fisher's 'Special' offer included an 'unsoiled' infantry
officer's steel sword for £3/5s or one in nickel plate for a snip at £2.
Samuel Brothers Ltd, Military Tailors & Outfitters Sydenham House, 65 & 67 Ludgate Hill, London EC. Telephone No. 689
Bank.
Like the other four companies, Samuel Brothers Ltd despatched their
price list on 3rd April. It was accompanied by a fairly hurried looking
handwritten letter, which stressed 'quality, workmanship & finish'.
Uniquely, it drew the new lieutenant's attention to fellow officers
(from his battalion) who were already Samuel Brothers' customers: Majors
Powell & Jones, Captain Jowel and Quarter Master Dickey.
%2B-%2BCopy.jpg "measurement guide from Samuel Brothers 1901")
%252B-%252BCopy.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F* "measurement guide from Samuel Brothers 1901")
Although they enclosed a handy 'Officers' Self-Measurement' guide (right), I think it unlikely that a young officer would ever attempt 'self-measurement' for his first uniform but it's a nice touch.
The last and successful approach was made by:
Hobson & Sons 'Officers Department', 1, 3 & 5 Lexington Street, Golden Square,
London W. Telephone No. 3666 Gerrard.
Hobson & Sons used a standard but professional, typed letter. It offered the Crickhowel based 2nd Lieutenant Robertson the convenience of using their agent Messrs Williams Bros Tailors of 145 Commercial Street, Newport for his measuring and fitting.
Ronald Robertson took quite some time to consider his options and eventually ordered his tunic and mess uniform from Hobson & Sons on 4th June 1901. Two days later, under the pressure of attending his first Brigade Camp at Porthcawl on 13th July, he submitted an order for the rest of his uniform:
From an announcement in the Gazette to possession of your full kit, it was quick work!
© Emmy Eustace
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