Happy Ending! 100yo Millbrook Hunt coat now in NY

[blazn]

I live in a very small town in SW Idaho, a long way away from almost everywhere. Imagine my surprise when I dropped something off at our local thrift shop (run by the hospital's ladies auxiliary) and saw a scarlet tail coat with Millbrook Hunt colors and buttons.

It was left by a man who said it belonged to his great uncle, so it may be quite old. Millbrook was recognized in 1909.

Would anyone with Millbrook be interested in this?

[Painted Wings]

You might want to check with Eleanor Hartwell. Her Mom was huntsman for Millbrook for many years.

email her at Amazon444@hotmail.com

[nightsong]

Did you pick it up? If not, someone's going to grab it for a Hallowe'en costume and like as not RUIN it :mad:.

[blazn]

I did have to go back and get it, of course. There is a tag sewn into the inside pocket which says:

Mr. G.H. Davison
8/9/09
Brooks Brothers, Broadway, New York

Imagine the pleasure of taking the train down to the city for the final fitting of your new coat, ready for the first season as a recognized hunt.

[InstigatorKate]

That is sooo cool!

[lolalola]

What condition is it in after a century?

[blazn]

It's in extremely good condition - Brooks Brothers should be very proud of it. The lining is shredded and the collar is frayed at the neck. But the fabric of the coat itself is lovely, still.

[Thomas_1]

I've a mass of livery that's a lot older than that and there's no reason at all why it shouldn't be in excellent condition.

I've hunt coats that belonged to my grandfather and side saddle habits that my mother inherited. Mum died when she was 97 and that was 6 years ago!

The driving livery I wear is all original and many of the hats and drivers coats I have go back to the turn of the 19th century. In the main they've got no frays or damage at all.

Here there's a market for them and it's a good market. As such over the decades I've been inclined to purchase whenever something in good condition comes on the market. That means I've acquired a lot of original stuff but you can for sure turn a profit on it if that's what you want to do and PROVIDING the price is right when you buy and there's provenance and the conditin is reasonable

I'd strongly recommend you buy it if it's cheap in a charity shop and then go about finding a buyer or putting it in a specialist auction.

p.s. To inspire you. The last original livery coat I sold I made over £400 profit on!

[blazn]

Wow. I had no idea! It's hard to imagine anything I'm wearing now will even be in existence for 100 years, let alone wearable by my great-grandchildren. (I suspect things used to be a little better made.)

Much as I would love to turn a profit on the coat I don't think the market exists here. The provenance is excellent and the condition is reasonable, but the coat is very specific to the Millbrook Hunt - complete with green facings and all the MH buttons - so it could not be worn elsewhere without significantly altering it, and that would certainly reduce the value.

If anyone in the US knows differently please let me know. It would be such a refreshing novelty to make money on something horse-related.

[LexInVA]

I'd honestly love to see it as a museum piece of sorts but that's just me. I don't think negatively of anyone using it as a coat.

[Thomas_1]

Here's a photo of me and grooms on the back step all wearing original livery all from between 1820 and 1840

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/WeddingDay048.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0029-1.jpg

[Equibrit]

Maybe the Millbrook would like it - as it is their centenary year ?

[Romany]

Here's a photo of me and grooms on the back step all wearing original livery all from between 1820 and 1840

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/WeddingDay048.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0029-1.jpg


Are you trotting up the road towards Bamburgh Castle in the second picture, Thomas?

[Wheel Whip]

I will forward the info to someone in Millbrook. What a find! I "recued" a fine hunt whip in a thrift store and my daughter rides in a lovely, vintage, Irish wool coat. They just don't make 'em like they used to!
Thomas, how splendid y'all look!

[Wheel Whip]

I just forwarded the info to Millbrook Pony DC, Barbara Meyer. I'm betting they will be very interested. I would gladly pay for your trouble and the shipping to have this wonderful find rehomed. Please PM me with details.

[Beverley]

As noted, good huntin' clothes can last forever. When I was required to obtain a red coat to whip in, in 1985, I purchased a used one from a retired MFH- he'd had it made in Ireland in 1952. It is still in my closet, still just fine- tiny frays on the ends of sleeves, maybe, but you can't notice those when I'm galloping across a field, say. I also was given, in the 1990s, a mystery pair of wool canary breeches- a friend had them in a trunk and didn't know whose they were. The waistband said, made by a tailor on Farragut Square in Washington, D.C. in 1936. They were, and are, in magnificent condition- I was too crushed when they fit me everywhere but too tight below the knee, go figure, that's the only skinny part of my body left. I gave them to my skinny sister and the legs are too tight even for her- but I noticed when visiting her a couple of years ago she still has them in the inventory.

I also still wear a pair of field boots that date from the early 1920s, that a friend found in his grandmother's attic and gave to me in the mid 1980s. They have about had it, but they've served me well!

[Thomas_1]

Are you trotting up the road towards Bamburgh Castle in the second picture, Thomas?

Well spotted!!!

Yes it is indeed at Bamburgh and on the way to the castle.

This one is having gone through the drawbridge gate on the old coach road at the seaward side entrance and within the ramparts on the way to the main castle door.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0042-1.jpg

How do you know the area? Do you know which castle this one is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0019.jpg

[Romany]

Well spotted!!!

Yes it is indeed at Bamburgh and on the way to the castle.

This one is having gone through the drawbridge gate on the old coach road at the seaward side entrance and within the ramparts on the way to the main castle door.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0042-1.jpg

How do you know the area? Do you know which castle this one is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/Driving/DSCF0019.jpg


You'll laugh - I recognized the big trees on the left (west) of the road!

Is the second picture Berwick? Looks like the sort of windy cliff road one would want VERY obedient horses on. :eek:

You have a pm. ;)

[Thomas_1]

Second picture is Lindisfarne Castle at Holy Island just south of Bamburgh.

The road up to that is indeed very "airy". One of my grooms has slight vertigo and hates that one!!!

[AiryFairy]

If it's a scarlet TAIL coat, wouldn't it be more for formal dinners rather than regular hunting? I don't believe I've ever seen anyone hunting in a tail coat, but I have seen a few pictures of hunt balls, etc. where they are worn. Perhaps he was a Master and had his coat made for the annual MFHA Master's Ball.

[nightsong]

The national museum of fox hunting is at Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia, if you want to contact them.

[Equibrit]

It seems Mr Davison lived at Altamont Farm and was pretty well known;

He attended Yale and Cornell and was a vet; http://books.google.com/books?id=jcAZAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA654&lpg=PA654&dq=Mr.+G.H.+Davison+Millbrook+NY&source=bl&ots=mrf4GbHa4X&sig=3iIqG4OBJA4Gv9PYP3cs3biNzbY&hl=en&ei=nnrDStG0O5eqtgerh7HjBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9#v=onepage&q=&f=false

He liked sheep; http://books.google.com/books?id=2ttIAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=Mr.+G.H.+Davison+Millbrook+NY&source=bl&ots=kPIxUgUh8a&sig=3IDaLZBgmm-92hOGJjHUMAG4qaE&hl=en&ei=jXjDSqTOAYKHtgfiiq3qBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Parties; http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9802E5D91730E033A2575AC1A96F9C94 659ED7CF

and was a VP of the NY State Agricultural Society;
http://books.google.com/books?id=t2YZAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA1320&lpg=PA1320&dq=Mr.+G.H.+Davison+Millbrook+NY&source=bl&ots=o0wWQY6nAe&sig=jy2JYCg7W5qRKkYZfrb5vbe9ilM&hl=en&ei=0nnDSoilNuGPtge28OXyBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#v=onepage&q=&f=false

He has an entry in the Biographical directory of New York 1900; http://books.google.com/books?id=LeoaAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=Davison+Altamont+Farm+Millbrook+New+York&source=bl&ots=iEregStNBF&sig=YOxiPXxGf6fKxI33OxC8JptpuLY&hl=en&ei=AofDStfsOtOwtgem88DoDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=Davison%20Altamont%20Farm%20Millbrook%20New%20Yo rk&f=false
Family Tree (type hi name in); http://www.chesebro.net/

[FatDinah]

Once again, I think this offers the perfect inspiration for a mystery novel (remember the ghost pack thread a few weeks ago?)

What is in the coat ... a ring thought stolen, an incriminating note, a locket with a portrait?
Something that sends someone back to the hunt area from Idaho to stir up matters someone wants to stay hidden ....

[Equibrit]

This is a report of a hunt ball G Howard Davison attended where he may have worn the coat. http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9E03EFDA1139E133A25751C2A9669D946395D6CF

Mr F W Chesebrough''s father Robert Augustus Chesebrough invented Vaseline and was Mr H G Davison's father-in-law. His entry in the "Social Register" http://books.google.com/books?id=pBQJAQAAIAAJ&pg=RA1-PA71&lpg=RA1-PA71&dq=Howard+C+Davison+Millbrook+NY&source=bl&ots=pf9oRfbAbV&sig=ZDr6v5lx4sPlbCXx6lYxWw4vuBs&hl=en&ei=cYTDSouuKdGLtgePzpHuBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6#v=onepage&q=Howard%20C%20Davison%20Millbrook%20NY&f=false


New York Times, Sept. 9, 1933:

"SPRING LAKE, N. J., Sept. 8 - Robert Augustus Chesebrough, former President of the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company, makers of Vaseline and other petroleum products, died here at 6 o'clock this evening at his home in Prospect Avenue, at the age of 96. A general breakdown due to age was the cause of death. He came down stairs for dinner last night. Today he sat up for luncheon in his room, but felt ill afterward and went to bed. In recent months he had been able to take short walks, and two years ago he dived from the springboard into the pool of the Beach Club.
The near relatives who survive are a son, Frederick Woodhull Chesebrough of Millbrook, N. Y.; a daughter Mrs. Charles Davison of Millbrook, and two grandchildren, Howard C. Davison of Millbrook and Mrs. Margaret W. Davison Johnson, wife of Dr. Vansel S. Johnson of New York City."

[Wheel Whip]

You have a PM. Great news, Millbrook is very interested!

[tangledweb]

If it's a scarlet TAIL coat, wouldn't it be more for formal dinners rather than regular hunting? I don't believe I've ever seen anyone hunting in a tail coat, but I have seen a few pictures of hunt balls, etc. where they are worn. Perhaps he was a Master and had his coat made for the annual MFHA Master's Ball.

It would depend on the cut of the coat. Riding in a tailcoat is now pretty uncommon outside the hunter-jumper or dressage arena, but fashions change in the course of a century.

[nightsong]

Mr F W Chesebrough''s father Robert Augustus Chesebrough invented Vaseline and was Mr H G Davison's father-in-law.


The company is still called Chesebrough-Pond's!!! (Or was the last time I bought a jar... :uhoh:)

[Equibrit]

I think Unilever own it now.

PS: There is a difference between evening "tails" and a morning coat;
"The first thing to note is that there is a difference between the evening tail coat worn as a part of white tie and the morning coat. They both have tails, however, the evening tail coat is double-breasted and cut small so that the fronts don't fasten even though there are three buttons on either front. (The morning coat is invariably single-breasted now, has one button – which may well be a double-button – and does fasten.) Furthermore, the evening tail coat has a facing to its lapels (as a dinner jacket does) – the morning coat doesn't. Don't confuse the two.

[lolalola]

Weren't people generally smaller in the 19th century? Even if a coat, etc. is in good condition, is a great deal of tailoring usually required to fit most 21st century types?

[allpurpose]

Once again, I think this offers the perfect inspiration for a mystery novel (remember the ghost pack thread a few weeks ago?)

What is in the coat ... a ring thought stolen, an incriminating note, a locket with a portrait?
Something that sends someone back to the hunt area from Idaho to stir up matters someone wants to stay hidden ....

Love this!

[nadasy]

I too have some wonderful old hunting clothes, and also have been an antique dealer including clothing and jewelry, as with the items from family members, Hunts, Greek Societies, DAR etc., I always contact current staff and let them know I've found these things.

Many times it's just good manners and better karma to notify and let them know. You'd be surprised how people have responded to this in generous ways.

Years ago (1970) I had a new pair of Dehner's sitting in the laundry room on a mat, because I took my boots off there so I wouldn't track mud through the house.

They were there when I left for work at 7am, and when I got home, I noticed they weren't there. I thought they were in the laundry closet where I had a 'tack room'. No they weren't there. They were picked up buy the garbage crew when they came to collect. Apparently they were 'moved' out on to the carport with the bags.

I checked everywhere and finally found that they turned up at the thrift shop and sold within an hour. Never found them. They were a month old, hunting boots with my name inside as with all custom boots. I had two children at the time, and had just started back riding. It took me a year to save for these boots.

I would have paid someone $50 (at the time that was a good chunka) to say they had them........

I'd contact Millbrook and let the Secretary know. All the hunts I've know, worked for or ridden with have a 'history' room at the clubhouse. This would be a great find.

[Painted Wings]

Would love to see a photo of this coat.

[blazn]

There's been a lot going on here while I was gone!

I've put up a picture of the coat on my COMH page - no small thing as I haven't been able to figure out how to do anything else with that page (smiles ruefully):
http://www.chronicleofmyhorse.com/profile/JZ

The coat IS very small. I am a size 8, about 5'5, and it fits me. Before Equibrit did all that research I was sure Mr. G.H. Davison must have been a teenager, but I'm told that clothing that old is often quite a bit smaller than we are used to. There was a pair of gloves in the pocket that are so small I can't imagine any adult getting their hands into them.

After a slow start I've gotten a lot of expressions of interest in the coat over the last few days. I'm trying to work out a good solution that will please most of the people, most of the time. As soon as it's settled I'll post it.

And if anyone wants to write FatDinah's mystery novel I'll be happy to give them the deep background on Idaho thrift stores.

[Painted Wings]

that's lovely. Does look like a tail coat for hunt ball type occasions. Thanks for posting the photo.

[lizathenag]

Please tell Barbara Meyer that Liza Sibley says hi. She was my DC at Millbrook Pony Club when I got my A in 197?.

[Wheel Whip]

I'll definately tell Barbara "Hi!"

[three_dayer]

that is so cool...once in a while you find the coolest things in the strangest places. I found a pair of 1960's vogels at the local DI(thrift store) in a southwestern idaho town, which is very strange, because this was in the middle of cowboy country...they where in exellent shape and fit my skinny calves and big feet..and the best part...$7... i wore them till they fell apart....i loved them...i still am looking for that great deal again....

[CallMeGrace]

Second picture is Lindisfarne Castle at Holy Island just south of Bamburgh.

The road up to that is indeed very "airy". One of my grooms has slight vertigo and hates that one!!!


I knew it was Lindisfarne!!!

[blazn]

Mr. Davison's coat is back at home.

The new owner is Barbara Wadsworth of Horse Leap Tack in Amenia (near Millbrook). Barbara intends to preserve the coat and make it available for local display. She said she would welcome inquiries from the Millbrook Historical Society, Millbrook Hunt, and the Millbrook Pony Club.

After Thomas posted his (as always) excellent suggestion about checking into the market for equestrian antiques, I contacted Barbara. She had several buyers who were very interested in the coat. When she heard about all the community interest she decided not to resell the coat, but to keep it in the pubic domain as a part of Millbrook history.

Thanks to Barbara's generosity the coat will be cared for and available for loan to all the interested parties in Millbrook. Anyone who is interested in seeing the coat should contact her. She received it yesterday and is very excited about it. I think this is a very happy ending and hope all of you do too.

[MyGiantPony]

What a fabulous ending to the story!

She should print out this thread as part of the provenence of the coat!

[Jumphigh83]

cool story!

[Rubyfree]

This is such a great story. Thank you so much for sharing it and for taking the steps to get the coat to where it will be appreciated.

[twofatponies]

I saw the coat today at Barbara's shop. It is stunning. Engraved buttons, in nearly perfect condition, yellow silk lining... really nice. She said it's amazing to think the stitching was all done by hand. Lord knows I can't make a stitch that small and even! Displayed at the moment with some antique whips and top hats, it is quite striking. She said lots of people have been ogling it. She said she is talking to a museum about loaning it for an exhibit, too.