Identity area
Reference code
2021.47
Title
Merchant Navy Captains Jacket belonging to Maxwell Grant Simpson (1927-1979)
Date(s)
- undated 1950-1959 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Harvey's was a local outfitters for merchant navy officers at 74 Leadenhall Street, London; located opposite Aldgate Pump, at the junction where Aldgate meets Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Double breasted uniform jacket made to a regulation Merchant Navy pattern. Jacket is fastened by two rows of four gilt buttons bearing the emblem of the Merchant Navy; has jetted pockets at the waist; and a breast pocket on the left side. Above this pocket is a ribbon bar, displaying the ribbons of medals that have been awarded. Handstitched to each cuff is the insignia of a Merchant Navy Captain, four rings of gold wire lace, with the central two rings crossed to form a diamond shape. The jacket is lined and has a jetted breast pocket on the right side and a jetted waist pocket on the left.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Label: Harvey's / 73/4 Leadenhall Street / London E.C.4
Measurements: 50cm [Chest], 74cm [Length], 64cm [Arms]
Materials: Wool
Details: Brass buttons, naval stripes, medal ribbon
Physical Condition: Fair, worn in places, fraying to medal ribbon
Measurements: 50cm [Chest], 74cm [Length], 64cm [Arms]
Materials: Wool
Details: Brass buttons, naval stripes, medal ribbon
Physical Condition: Fair, worn in places, fraying to medal ribbon
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
This jacket belonged to Maxwell Grant Simpson (1927-1979) who joined the Merchant Navy in 1944, having signed up to serve on troop ships in the North Atlantic during the Second World War, aged 16. Between 1944 and 1956 he was a Ships Mate for the New Zealand Shipping Company; Trinder Anderson & Co. Ltd; and Montreal Shipping, amongst others. In 1956 he gained his Master Mariners Senior Master Certificate, becoming a Ships Captain.