Review of Historic Enterprises/Brand New Doublet for Sale

Robert Clark Carruth · Thu Jun 10, 2004 5:29 pm

Like others, I jumped on the chance to buy a doublet from Gwen and Historic Enterprises when she posted the sale recently. As a company, they were quick, courteous and professional to deal with. Zero complaints.

Today, I was excited to receive my new doublet from Historic Enterprises. I got even more excited when I opened the box. Although HE's doublet lacks ostentatious ornamentation, this is a pretty garment. The color is a nice rich blue and the workmanship is outstanding.

Unfortunately, the smalls are made for shorter guys than me. It fits perfectly in the chest and shoulders but the bottom edge falls just above my hips. I am about 5'9" and half.

So, sadly I will let it go for the same price I paid for it. $117.50.

Pic available for email upon request.

-Robert

Black Swan Designs · Post by **Black Swan Designs** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:39 pm

Hi Robert-

I was going to respond to this privately but then I thought that since there are a few of these out there now it might be better to give everyone the same info.

The new doublet is -short- a good bit shorter than the old doublet. I've really been hitting the books and in doing so it became really clear to me that, well, doublets are short. Really short. Artwork from 1450-75 (which is the correct period for this doublet) the bottom edge comes just to or just above the wearer's hip bone. That sort of sounds like where the doublet you got hits you.

Before you sell it off, compare the fit of your doublet to this picture- if your doublet is this short on you it fits the way it's intended to!

[img]http://www.historicenterprises.com/images/misc/bsd-fd04.jpg[/img]

Feel free to send me a photo of you in the doublet and I'll be happy to give you an honest appraisal of whether it's too short or not.

All the best-

Gwen
Black Swan Designs
www.historicenterprises.com
gwen@historicenterprises.com

Robert Clark Carruth · Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:37 pm

Hey thanks, Gwen! I was using the pictures of the doublets on your site as a reference. It seemed to me that the seam between the flare at the bottom and the body of the garment was supposed to hit my natural waist but it's actually more around my ribs. I'll send a picture.

-Clark

Black Swan Designs · Post by **Black Swan Designs** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:42 pm

Yeah, those pictures on my website -really- need to be updated.

I'd use this one but Dom has VPL, a horrible cold that makes him look like a zombie and the doublet was customized especially for him (sleeve opening, point number and placement.)

I'll see what I can do about new pictures. So much to do, so little time!

Gwen

Cet · Post by **Cet** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:39 pm

I recieved mine today as well. HE was great to deal with as always. It's a beautiful piece and a great start to the mid-late 15th cent kit I've been wanting to put together.

T. Finkas · Post by **T. Finkas** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:01 am

I love this doublet, Gwen. Great job!

Cheers,
Tim

Robert Clark Carruth · Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:15 am

Hrm, I think what I really need is some alteration then. I have a 29" waist. If I can get it brought in some at the sides to achieve the fitted look of the pics above I think it will fit correctly. I am going to try to send a pic tomorrow but it appears one of the pins that connects to the memory card is bent in the camera. Hopefully tomorrow I will successfuly get it back into place and the camera back together.

I really hope I can make it work. I agree with the others that these are beautiful.

-Robert