Hi, Vintagers and Vintag-ettes! I've recently acquired off of E-Bay and stunning frock coat, described as being from 1860. Alas, it was only the meager sum of around $100 that landed this beauty...in a really large size for any frock coat: 44" in the chest with a 25" sleeve. (I look magnificent in it, by the way.) All the said, some vintage logic has entered into my assessment of the piece. When was the last time that any piece over 150 years old showed up in near pristine condition. The only evidence is a label that says, "A.M. Bertrand" with the word "Lowell" just below. (Masschusettes?) Anyway, has anyone heard of A.M. Bertrand? Googling has turned up nada and, of course, as is too often the case the seller could not offer any specific method by which she determined it to be a coat from the 1860's I will say that compared to another frock coat I have, the coat from the waist down seems to have a bit of a flourish to it, suggesting perhaps something closer to a Dickensian time period here in the U.S. Despite all, it's a great piece, even if it's as "recent" as the 19-teens. Would appreciate your expertise. Take care.
A.M. Bertrand?
- Thread starter Joe Palka
- Start date
lkranieri
VFG Member
Arthur M. Bertrand in Lowell was born in Canada ca. 1855-56, so your garment does not likely date to the 1860's. He was listed as a tailor through at least 1925, but the 1927 city directory gives an address for his "Est," which I believe means "estate" so I gather he died sometime around then.
EDITED TO ADD: I just found a 1925 death record for Bertrand. Also, as his 1893 ads announce that his business was a successor to F.W. Sargent, I assume he must have taken it over not long before 1893.
EDITED TO ADD: I just found a 1925 death record for Bertrand. Also, as his 1893 ads announce that his business was a successor to F.W. Sargent, I assume he must have taken it over not long before 1893.
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