Belatedly, I learned of the recent auction of the Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. estate. He was the only son of Fairbanks, Sr., who himself was was one of the first Hollywood moguls and founders of the modern film industry. Doyle New York was retained to run the auction on September 13. Below is a selection of Fairbanks, Jr.'s clothing-related items that were sold.
Fairbanks, Jr. owned quite an impressive wardrobe including John Lobb shoes, Maxwell boots, Huntsman jackets and overcoats, Lock hats, Stovel & Mason jackets, among other things.
Lock hats
Maxwell suede derbies
John Lobb semi-brogue
Maxwell riding boots
Huntsman double-breasted overcoat (1970)
Stovel & Mason greatcoat
Huntsman sports coat (1969)
Stovel & Mason sports coat (1973)
I think my favorite piece is the Huntsman overcoat. The auction provided these measurements of the overcoat:
Length of shoulders from seam to seam: 19 inches
Sleeve length: 24 1/2 inches
Shoulder length from seam to collar: 7 inches
Length of back: 42 inches
Also, take a closer look at the Stovel & Mason sports coat. Notice anything familiar on the jacket front construction? It has a front dart starting from the chest extending all the way down to the bottom of the hem. Today this is considered a hallmark of Neapolitan tailoring but apparently Savile Row is (or was) no stranger to this practice.
