VintageThe Chap occasionally comes across one-off vintage items that perfectly capture the ethos of the magazine. Updates will occur regularly and the objects will range from antique
grooming and smoking implements to cufflinks, scarves, hats and cravats, and even the odd pair of shoes.
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Tootal Cravat
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Tootal was once the byword for affordable high-street menswear, but what the man in the street wore in the 1940s today ranks as highly select attire. This is one of their hundreds of superb neckwear patterns, whose fabric is a curiously luxurious-feeling blend of synthetic fibres, which Tootal always counsel one to wash "as silk". | |
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Tootal Cravat
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Sometimes, a cravat can provide that essential element which marks out a dressed man from a man who has thrown on a shirt and a pair of trousers, and slipped out of his front door with no thought for what may be opined of his political views, his moral code, nor indeed whether he believes in reincarnation. A simple splash of colour in the small gap between shirt collars will send out subtle messages on all of the above, and much more to the discerning eye. | |
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Tootal Cravat
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Tootal patterns range from the dandiacally flamboyant to the country squire sober and all points in between. Unlike many modern cravats, they are not stiff with bulky lining, and are most effectively worn knotted twice, like a four-in-hant tie knot, but without the final loop into the knot. This way they retain their dignified position just below the Adam's Apple and one is spared the anxiety of constant visit to the gentlemen's washroom to check for slippage. | |
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Tootal Tie
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A fine example of Tootal's response to the Space Age: a distinctive pattern of starbursts and circles, their potential noisiness offset by the sobre choice of colour. Clearly dating from the era of the festival of Britain, this is a Tootal "Blue Quality" tie, proudly listing its fabric as "cotton and rayon - wash as silk". | |
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Tootal Tie
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This is what Tootal produced for the wedding market back in the 1950s. As readers of the February issue of the Chap will find out, the correct neckwear for a chap to step up to the altar in is NOT a cravat, but a plain or subtly patterned grey tie (with his black morning coat and striped trousers). This fine houndstooth design will put all the male guests, in their vulgar cravats and multi-coloured waistcoats, to shame. | |
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Tootal Tie
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This particular design is rather unusual for Tootal, whose patterns are usually more repetitive and geometric. Nevertheless, the company, as ever, brought their own touch of flair to the paisley pattern, with an unusual choice of colour as well. This a "Red Quality" Tootal (of a range of five: Red, Green, Black, Blue and Sports. What they actually signify is anyone's guess). | |
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Green Tootal Scarf
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Tootal produced a range of scarves whose function is no longer served: they were of a lightweight, silky fabric, usually Rayon, and were more for show than warmth. Wrapped snugly around the throat, however, they will keep the wintry chill off - it certainly did so for the WWII fighter pilots who used them as protection from the freezing temperatures of high altitude dog fights. | |
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Monocle
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Personally discovered in an ex-major's attic by The Chap's resident Bounder, Atters, these extra-large monocle frames give that "colonial caught in the servants' quarters" expression to even the most novice monocle-wearer. This golden metallic objet d'art comes complete with toggled royal blue securing ribbon. Any competent optician will happily furnish this classic frame with a lens made to your prescription. The "Atters Grand" frame measures 45mm approx. | |
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Hogskin Gloves
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Described as "Genuine Peccary Hog", these gloves have a wonderfully textured and tough outer skin, yet a soft and pliable lining, all thanks to the hide of this South American hog. The Peccary is not endangered, so one may wear them without fear of being attacked by protesters in balaclavas. They are a size eight for men, so rather on the small side. | |