{"product_id":"footman-s-court-dress-suit-1898","title":"Footman’s Court Dress Suit, 1898 - Royal Service Livery for King Edward VII \u0026 Queen Alexandra, Lockinge House","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA richly documented and historically significant \u003cstrong\u003efootman’s court dress suit\u003c\/strong\u003e worn by \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge Birry\u003c\/strong\u003e while attending \u003cstrong\u003eKing Edward VII\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eQueen Alexandra\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003eLockinge House, Wantage\u003c\/strong\u003e. This ensemble represents the height of late‑19th‑century \u003cstrong\u003eBritish court livery\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining ceremonial splendour with the precise tailoring expected in aristocratic households. The navy blue wool \u003cstrong\u003efrock coat\u003c\/strong\u003e, trimmed in vivid red and edged with \u003cstrong\u003emetallised gold braid\u003c\/strong\u003e, displays rows of \u003cstrong\u003ecrested brass buttons\u003c\/strong\u003e along the front, pockets, cuffs, and the foot of the tails - hallmarks of elite \u003cstrong\u003eVictorian liveried service\u003c\/strong\u003e. The accompanying \u003cstrong\u003ered wool waistcoat\u003c\/strong\u003e, also fitted with crested buttons, and the pair of \u003cstrong\u003ered velvet knee breeches\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003eWilkinson \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/strong\u003e buttons, braid, buckles, and knee fastenings, complete a striking example of \u003cstrong\u003elate‑Victorian ceremonial attire\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCourt liveries of this period were designed not only for visual impact but also to communicate hierarchy, household identity, and loyalty. Deep colours such as navy and crimson were traditional for high‑ranking footmen, while gold braid and crested buttons signalled the prestige of the household being served. The use of \u003cstrong\u003evelvet\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003efine wool\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003etwill linings\u003c\/strong\u003e reflects the luxurious materials typical of \u003cstrong\u003eroyal and aristocratic service uniforms\u003c\/strong\u003e. Surviving examples with full provenance - especially those linked to \u003cstrong\u003eKing Edward VII’s\u003c\/strong\u003e visits - are rare, and the handwritten note preserved in the waistcoat pocket adds exceptional documentary value to this already remarkable set.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoat\u003c\/strong\u003e: chest 82 cm (32.25 ins), sleeves 60 cm (23.5 ins), length 87 cm (34.25 ins) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWaistcoat:\u003c\/strong\u003e chest 90 cm (35.5 ins), length 60 cm (23.5 ins) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeches:\u003c\/strong\u003e waist 80 cm (31.5 ins), length 76 cm (30 ins)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ANTIQUE GOWN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57815096885635,"sku":null,"price":480.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0913\/1897\/6899\/files\/01-antique-court-livery-1898.jpg?v=1776528731","url":"https:\/\/antique-gown.com\/products\/footman-s-court-dress-suit-1898","provider":"ANTIQUE GOWN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}