Watch a short film about the suit

 
In the film, two Savile Row tailors uncover new information about the coat.

Savile Row tailors Henry Poole & Co. made this dark blue wool court uniform for George Florance Irby, 6th Baron Boston, in 1885.

Since the early 19th century, court uniform had been the accepted style of dress for men who went to formal ceremonies which were attended by the monarch. The amount of the gold embroidery on the tailcoat, or coatee, and where it was placed, indicated the wearer's rank.

Lord Boston bought this suit in 1885 for his new role as Lord-in-Waiting, a member of Queen Victoria's household. He wore it when greeting political leaders during their state visits to the United Kingdom, and at the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

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