Regency Advertisements

La Belle Assemblee is a positive mine of information about what our Regency Ladies and Gentlemen might be interested in purchasing.  I thought it might be interesting to add these to my posts from time to time. Here is one for what we would call instant coffee.

Coffee Made in One Minute

Hawkins and Dunn's

Sold at their Manufactory, No. 79 Great Titchfield Streed, Mary-le-Bone, London and by various Grocers, Druggists, etc. in Town and Country in half pint bottles

• Turkey.....5s 0d
• Bourbon...3s 6d
• Plantation...2s 6d

                                                                             (including the bottle)

To make a cup of coffee no other trouble is required than merely to put about a teaspoon full of the Essence into a coffee cup, with the usual quantity of milk and sugar, and fill it with hot water.

The Essence is sold without sugar when wanted for immediate use; the half pint bottle containing one pound three ounces of coffee.

The Essence is also sold mixed with sugar for Hot Climates and for long keeping; the half pint bottle in that case containing one pound of coffee and six ounces of sugar at the same prices as above.

As good coffee cannot be made without pure water, Hawkins and Dunn have provided filtering vessels at four shillings and upwards.

Well I for one was surprised.

And I enjoyed this little Gem under the heading

Died

Lately at sea, Mr W. Clark, Captain of the Rebeca, privateer, of Folkstone, who, by frequent practice, had acquired the art of throwing the lead with his teeth father than almost any man could do with his hands; and in his last attempt, from having lost his balance, he fell a sacrifice to his dexterity.


Until next time, Happy Rambles

Regency Fashion

December 1813

The second offering for December, is quite glamerous IMHO

It is named a Kutusoff Mantle

Kutusoff was a Russian Prince and a great general for his country who died earlier in 1813.

The mantle is described as follows;

Pink or scarlet cloth mantle, trimmed with a broad velvet ribband to correspond, a spenser of the same materials, on sleeve of which is concealed by the folds of the mantle; the collar, which is high and puckered, fastens at the throat with a broach; and a long lappel [sic], which ends in a point, falls considerably over the left shoulder.  A Kutusoff hat of pink or scarlet cloth, turned up in front, with a little corner to the right side, ties under the chin, and is finished with aa pink or scarlet feather; a full puffing of lace or net is seen underneath. Plain cambric high dress, and pink or scarlet leather half boots.  Its effect upon a tall and graceful figure is amazingly striking and it is for the carriage costume, decidedly the most elegant cloak that we have seen for some seasons back, and does the greatest credit to the tasteful fancy of its inventress, Miss Powell, successor to Mrs Franklin, Piccadilly.

And so we are offered a couple of interesting tidbits, in particular, the name and location of one of the seamstresses to the ton  in addition to what I agree is a stunning ensemble.

Until next time, Happy Rambles.

Regency Fashion

December 1813

It wouldn't be fair to let a month go by, without a peek at the fashions since I was fortunate enough to purchase La Belle Assemblee for 1813, I have been posting pictures from exactly 200 years ago.

Our Fashionista has this to say in general terms:

The winter has now completely set in, and our elegantes cannot, as formerly, be charged with a want of sufficient clothing: no bare elbows or thin muslin dresses are now seen in the out-door costume; on the contrary, our very fashionable belles are apt to run into an opposite extreme, and we have observed some winter habiliments which would be very suitable to the Russian climate. 

A bit of sarcasm, perhaps?

This gown is an Opera Pelisse.

Described as follows:


Made of the richest orange or amber twilled sarsnet, lined with ermine, the collar, cape and cuffs are also of ermine.  In the form of this dress there is nothing peculiarly novel, but its general effect is strikingly elegant and highly appropriate to the season.  The waist is very short, and the sleeves not quite so loose as they have been worn. Small turn-up hat of the same materials as the pelisse, superbly ornamented with white ostrich feathers and tied under the chin with a ribband to correspond. White kid shoes and gloves.

We have another December fashion plate to share next time. Until then, Happy Rambles

Regency Library - Saltram

Saltram's Library is one of those amazing places in a house where you would like to be invited to spend an afternoon. Especially at this time of year.  While it isn't a small space, it has a very warm feel about it.

This first view gives a sense of its size and shape. Originally it was two rooms, the wall being where the columns are now with one are being the dining room. The guidebook says that at the end of the nineteenth century new book presses were set into the walls.  This was the first time I have seen them called book presses and I have been unable to locate a source for this description.  A description from the period describes them as bookcases.

The current arrangements date from 1819, so during the Regency.

The next pictures  shows the door which is open. When it is closed it would appear to look like any of the walls  of shelves. The books all date from the first Earl of Morley's time and contain a large collection of prints and original drawings. Note that the cornices and pediments to the book cases were added in the 20th century

Here are some more views you may enjoy. It is thought that the fireplaces and  over-mantel mirrors were purchased during the family's trip to France in 1818.

Until next time, Happy Rambles.

Contest Winner

And the winner is Debbie Mccreary.  Debbie, I am looking forward to hearing from you. Go to my website for my contact email.  Regrets to all the other entrants, I wanted each one of you to win.  I will be entering all of your names in the drawing for the grand prize and am keeping my fingers crossed for all of you.

Weapons - Eighteenth Century

I thought these weapons were really interesting.  The large one is described as a muzzle loading carbine for domestic defense or for use on horseback.

It is dated from 1762. It was made by Henry Hadley and the siversmith was Jeremiah Ashley. 

The other two is a pair of dueling pistols.

Next time we visit Saltram's Library.

Contest - Harlequin Historical Authors Advent Calendar

Today is my day for this contest.  To find get all the details go to my website. You can comment here, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @annlethbridge to be entered for my prize, and to be entered  for the grand prize. The more days you enter on, the more chances you will have to win the grand prize, a fancy dancy Kindle.  Please make sure you read the rules.  Good luck to all. And Happy holidays. You will also find me hanging out on the ROMNA Blog today so if you fancy a chat, drop by and say hi..