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Posted 3 years ago
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(1 item)
I love gentleman's bespoke tailoring and have an affinity for vintage tuxedo coats, in particular, tuxedo tails.
A recent acquisition of a 1939 grey wool tuxedo tails was a pleasant surprise. Tailored by J.P. Nugent of Montreal for Mr. Pierre Beullac, I had in my hands a little bit of Canadian history.
Pierre Beullac was a Canadian lawyer then a judge. His father arrived in Montreal, Canada in 1874 and established himself as a decorator of churches then later ballrooms. Pierre Jr. was a founding member of the Canadian Club of Montreal and Vice-President. This club tradition continues to today and is a forum for great minds and thinkers, a prestigious forum that has included an incredible array of world re-known guest speakers.
Not knowing how to price this item for my store, I decided to part with it on ebay. Honestly, I wanted to add it to my personal collection, but something was telling me otherwise. About two days into the auction I was contacted by Mr. Beullac's great-granddaughter who happens to live in Montreal, Canada. To my considerable delight, she won the auction and was so happy to have an heirloom of her great-grandfathers' return home to it's roots. In her words, 'It was meant to be'.
Stories like these secure my love for vintage clothing and the field of work I have chosen. Several times now I have had the honor of returning a prized possession or a family heirloom back to where it belongs. The sensation of a unique discovery, researching, contacting various experts within the field - all produce the feeling of being an archaeologist. What a treat!
Pierre Beullac as "Jean de Lauzon," costumed for Chateau de Ramezay Ball, Montreal, QC, 1898, Photo courtesy McCord Musée, Montreal
Mens CoatsCoats have been known to come in many colors, are sometimes lined with flee…
Now this is a wonderful "Show and Tell" entry! Thank you.
I love that we antiques dealers help to connect items with the serious collector, be it family or fan. We are not "just" care-takers, but history's conduits, curators, connectors, and, yes, archaeologists.
Amen, wonderful story.