The Peter Leathers Collection of 1950s Menswear led Tennants Auctioneers’ Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale on 19th August, selling for a total hammer price of £8,280 for 25 lots, doubling the mid-estimate (all figures exclude buyer’s premium). The collection was put together over a life time by the late Peter Leathers, a fashion designer, jewellery maker and guitarist from West Yorkshire, who was a devotee of the era. With a focus on fashion from the American Deep South, he sought out original garments and ephemera from the region. Keen to collect authentic pieces, he purchased much of his menswear collection from old ‘Mom & Pop’ shops, or from estate sales.
Whilst many of the pieces in the collection were worn regularly by Peter, the collection included numerous unworn collector’s pieces, complete with original tags. With competitive bidding by many vintage fashion followers, strong prices were achieved throughout the collection, with notable results seen for the likes of a group of circa 1950s Men’s American Suits, Jackets and Trousers, which sold for £750 against an estimate of £120-180, and a group of circa 1950s Gent’s American Casual Clothing, which sold for £850. Further items from the Peter Leathers Collection, including 1950s guitars, amps and radios, will be included in Tennants’ Scientific and Musical Instruments Sale on 27th September.
