This label is from a black wool frockcoat. The frockcoat and a pair of black wool trousers formed a man's suit. The suit was made by the tailor James Coombs of 153 High Street, Stoke Newington in the first decade of the 20th century.
Coins in the pocket
When the suit was given to the Museum of London, a farthing coin dating from 1906 and two tram tickets were discovered inside the breast pocket of the frockcoat. These tell us something about the lifestyle of the person who wore the suit.
Clothes shopping
James Coombs described himself as a 'high class' cash tailor. This meant that he would have sold top of the range ready-made garments. At the time department stores were increasingly beginning to sell ready-to-wear clothing. The opening of the large department store Bon Marche at 28-36 High Street, Stoke Newington, would have put pressure on local dressmakers, hatmakers, bootmakers, and tailors such as James Coombs to compete for customers.
