R W Forsyth – Classic Highland Wear Outfitter 1909 Catalogue.
We have just acquired a 1909 copy of the RW Forsyth Highland dress catalogue. So we thought we would share some images, prices and details from the catalogue. Love vintage reference.
R W Forsyth – Classic Highland Wear Outfitter 1909 Catalogue.
1909 price Clan tartan stockings in heavy gauge or fine gauge either 10/6 shillings or 15/6 a pair.
1909 price medium weight super Saxony kilting tartan 4/6 shillings a yard.
1909 price medium weight super kilting tartan 5 shillings a yard.
1909 price strome weight Cheviot kilting tartan 7 shillings a yard.
1909 price strome saxony weight kilting tartan 7 shillings a yard.
1909 price Gentleman's Travelling Mauds listed. For size 116" x 56" 21 Shillings. For size 130" x 62" 35 Shillings. Now you may be wondering, what is a 'Maud' - the Maud: The shepherd’s plaid traditionally worn in the Scottish Borders.
1909 price Sterling silver runic shoe buckles 15 Shillings and 6 pence a pair.
RW Forsyth - Born in the Lothians, Forsyth came to Glasgow as a nineteen-year old and gained his experience of clothing retailing with several city firms. In 1872 Forsyth set up in business as ladies and gentleman’s hosier, shirtmaker and highland wear retailer in Renfield Street. His success led to an expansion, and he gradually acquired all the properties around the corner of Renfield Street and Gordon Street. The old buildings were demolished and a new department store was built on the site in 1897.
Forsyth’s department store was designed by J J Burnet and built at a cost of £25,000. Heating and lighting were state of the art, while a wide staircase and new electric lifts permitted the efficient movement of goods and people around the store. The success of the new store allowed Forsyth to expand his business further, including a new store on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.