The Ocular Helmsman

"I know the military neatness which characterizes you" -- Holmes regarding Watson (BOSC).

Victorian Formal Wear

Watson, ever the military man, took great pride in his neatness and appearance (BOSC). From the tips of his freshly cleaned boots (CARD, HOUN ) to his ever present hat (SIGN, HOUN, SECO), clearly, Watson dressed to the nines.

Because Watson was the chronicler and not the subject of his many stories, he rarely mentioned his own clothes, but the brief glimpses he allows the reader to glean are priceless. His military days carried over into civilian life when he continued to carry his handkerchief in sleeve (CROO). He tended to secret other items on his person as well, such as his stethoscope in his top hat (SCAN).

Watson was dependable and creative, as when he created two black silks masks for himself and Holmes in CHAS or when he jumped into his clothes to aide his friend at a moment's notice (SPEC). He could even silently sneak alongside his peer in his rubber-soled tennis shoes (CHAS).

When at home, John could slip into his patent leather slippers (STOC) but he also had his dress clothes for the theater or other formal occasions (CHAS).

Ulster Overcoat

In winter, he bundled into a cravat and his ulster overcoat or his greatcoat (BLUE, SCAN, CHAS). And for the foulest of London weather, he had his waterproof (his raincoat) (HOUN).

Greatcoat

Top hats are an interesting object of the Victorian age. Initially, they were made with beaver fur (and later silk). Because the material to make them was so expensive, more material meant more expense. Hence, the wealthiest patrons bought taller and taller tophats as artistic expressions of their wealth. By the end of the nineteenth century, however, tophats began to fall out of fashion in favor of bowlers and other, smaller styles of hats. Nevertheless, they are still associated with formal functions to this day.

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