I think I need a new jacket...

[anteros_lmc]

Some of you will already know that I am a sucker for trawling naval auction sites and look what I've just found! This gorgeous early 18th century blue frock coat and naval waistcoat with regulation buttons belonging to Captain Hyde John Clarke is being sold by Charles Miller Ltd on the 27th of October and is expected to fetch between £400 - 500. I love that jacket but I really want that waistcoat! I have advised partner to lock up my bank cards.



There are several other astonishing lots in this auction including an early 19th century union flag and pennant reputably from the HMS Termeraire and originally belonging to the same Captain Hyde John Clarke who served on the ship in 1810. That's it you can see hanging behind the frock coat in the picture above. The ensign, which is valued at £1000 - £2000, is enormous, 8 by 16ft (!!) and appears to be riddled with shot holes.



I also rather fancy Captain Marryat's telescope :)



Or perhaps a nice hat... ;)

H.M.S. Ajax: a regulation naval cocked hat from Admiral E.D.B.McCarthy by Gieves Ltd and comprising bi-corn, epaulettes and belting, contained within japanned case of issue; together with a treen ashtray made from the deck of H.M.S. Ajax, with presentation inscription from the ship's company for his command 1940-41

A six bolt Admiralty-pattern copper and brass diving helmet by Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd London

Comments

[sarlania.livejournal.com]

Man I want that JACKET!!!!!!!!

The other stuff is very cool (esp the "Temeraire" flag)...

BUT I WANT THAT JACKET!!!!!!!!!

*drools*

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Hey! Paws off! I saw it first. XD

Isn't it just gorgeous? I can't tell you how much I want that waiscoat. I could spend many happy hours unbuttoning it ;)

Partner and I have been trying to find a big enough wall in our house to hang the ensign but they are all too small. Looks like we will need to buy a bigger house!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

I wish I hand't seen that. I want that jacket soooooooooo much. I'd wear it all the time.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Isn't it amazing? It's the waistcoat that does it for me though. Just look at it! It's exactly like the one Archie wears in Mutiny & Retribution. Think I should warn the auction house to expect a fangirl biding war on the 27th?!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

That bidding war can only happen if you'd like to explain to my girls why Christmas is cancelled...

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

I'd have to explain to mine too :} Maybe between us we could come up with a convincing story? ;)

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Obviously, buying a new and larger house, and the ensign, and the waistcoat, is the best course of action.

I like the hat.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Obviously, buying a new and larger house, and the ensign, and the waistcoat, is the best course of action.
Good Lord! You're right! Why didn't I think about that before?! ;)

I like the hat.
Which one? The bi-corn or the diving helmet?

[esteven]

Captain M.'s telescope...
*sighs*

and the Temeraire ensign and...how about I get the jacket and you the waistcoat?
:D

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Captain M.'s telescope...
Isn't it lovely?

how about I get the jacket and you the waistcoat?
Deal! Though you might have to fight sarlania for the jacket ;)

[esteven]

Oh, but I made the suggestion first!
*g*

[grace-poppy.livejournal.com]

Wow! I wish I could be there, just to see all the objects. Wonderful.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Aren't they amazing?! I'll be in London for a couple of days next week, I'm very tempted to go along to the auctioneers to see if they have any of these things on display :)

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

Ah now the flag looks much more authentic! If it's not full of holes I dont believe it predates 1992! :P

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Oh yea of little faith! Is this authentic enough for you? Here's a mezzo tint of Captain Hyde John Clarke sitting in front of the ensign and wearing the jacket and waistcoat that are up for auction.

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

Nonsense! That's never an authentic pic! Where's his pet hound?! Any self respecting captain would at least have a goldfish in a bowl in the background! :P

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Well obviously his pet hound is behind his chair chewing the ensign. That's why it's full of holes!!

[(Anonymous)]

The diving helmet, silly. It would not raise an eyebrow in brooklyn. I think I have a chiffon dress that would look just right with it!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

The diving helmet, silly. It would not raise an eyebrow in brooklyn.
Well in that case you must surely go for the bi-corn instead! We fangirls simply must stand out form the crowd :)

I think I have a chiffon dress that would look just right with it!
Is that your style tip for the autumn? "This season I will mostly be wearing a brass diving helmet."

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

The bicorn is for cocktail dresses, or maybe the office. The diving helmet is for evening wear!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

You are soooo classy! I think we may have to appoint you following_sea's fashion editor :D

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Tee-hee. That would be fun. I will inspect fictional gentlemen for fashion faux pas....Archie tends to be well dressed, but I will check with care because you never know.
(Horatio, I have on good authority, dresses in the dark and does not adjust his uniform.)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Ah now! esmerelda_t and I have already had this argument. She is convinced Horatio is a vain clothes horse, while Archie is a complete scruff!! She's never quite managed to convince me on that point ;)

I will inspect fictional gentlemen for fashion faux pas....Archie tends to be well dressed, but I will check with care because you never know.
Checking the tailoring is it? Aye right!

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Tailoring... yup that's right. Oh, Bush. Him too.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Don't be greedy now!

[venusinfurs90.livejournal.com]

I've always wanted a jacket like that!! The waistcoat is also fabulous, but alas I've discovered unfitted waistcoats do not look very great when you have a considerable bust. =(((

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, yes, you have a point. All the more reason to get a smart lieutenant to model your new jacket and waistcoat for you! :D

[venusinfurs90.livejournal.com]

You know you're right! =DDD (also I've been to the National Maritime Museum! :DDD It's so exciting and will make a post as soon as my friend sends me the photos. But there were Navy boys! Some very pretty ones indeed. Maybe they'd like to model for me? XD)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

You went to the NMM and saw real live pretty Navyboys?!! *jealous sulk* I am determined to get there before the year is out. Just you watch me! ;)

[venusinfurs90.livejournal.com]

You must! It's so wonderful <3 The only thing missing is the sea. XD Also, actual boats (Cutty Sark is under renovation so you can't see it) =((

[latin-cat.livejournal.com]

Somewhat off topic to the above post, would you mind if I friended you? Seeing as we have severel interests and friends in common.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Of course! You're most welcome :)

[latin-cat.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :D

[joyful-molly.livejournal.com]

Oh how absolutely awesome! :-D I WANT THAT HAT! And I definitely see the attraction of coat and waistcoat.

It's times like these when I hope that I'll never inherit a large sum or become rich (not that any of this would be even remotely likely), because I'd probably end up living in a museum!

The flag is touching; one of those pieces of which I hope they will end up in a real museum, not in the trophy room of a collector.

Thanks for sharing!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Well if you're going to buy the hat you'll have to wear it with a cocktail dress or to the office, otherwise eglantine_br's fangirl fashion police will come and getcha!

I'm astonished Temeraire's ensign is only valued at £1-2K. How can you put a price on history like that? Here's hoping it goes to a museum although I have no idea how you would display such and gigantic piece.