What's your experience of ordering a uniform?

[Hillebrandt]

With the recent demise of Sutler's Stores UK, can anybody recommend a supplier/maker of Zulu War tunics and blue serge trousers?

Thanks,

Hillebrandt

[GrantRCanada]

Although I am insufficiently knowledgeable to be the best judge of absolute authenticity, I have had considerable success in dealing with Sanjay Suri in India (Ujna Universal, a.k.a. "Replicaters" ) -
http://www.replicaters.com/victorian.html
(Scroll down most of the way .....)

Current prices (made to measure and including delivery anywhere in the world by air express) are listed as follows:
Tunic - US$173; UK£92
Trousers - US$92; UK£50

They are actually willing to make just about anything, if one supplies pictures and/or other information they can work from although, in such cases, one must be very careful to ensure any possible confusion over details is fully clarified .....

For something as "standard" as a Zulu War-era uniform, however, all you'd really need to supply is your measurements. Here is an acquaintance of mine in his 24th uniform, obtained from Ujna upon my referring him to them -

[Hillebrandt]

Thanks very much Grant. That's most helpful - they appear to be a lot cheaper than Sutlers as well!

Regards,

David

[10thHussar]

David as Grant has stated make sure you give them ALL The detail measurements, colours and everything and you will be fine. Dont rely in them to get it right on their own.
There is many horror storys of stuff they have made but the 2 or 3 times i have used them i have given them ALL they needed and have been very happy with the results.
I have however seen horrors of theirs too so make sure you know they know what you want. Colours particularly. Ask for material swatches they will happliy supply.

Good luck

Lee

[QSVC]

My own experience with Sanjay has been a little hit & miss, either the pattern is correct but the material used isn't or vice versa so much so that I wouldn't recommend him, obviously others own experience varies and thats the beauty of a forum like this, we can share experiences.

If you go head with the order, please let me know how you go with it, I'd be interested.

Robert

[Hillebrandt]

Thanks Robert, I'll bear that in mind. If I order anything I'll let you know how things went.

Regards,

David

[Hillebrandt]

Apologies Lee. I missed your post ahead of Robert.

Thanks very much for the info and guidance.

Regards,

David

[balaklava]

Greetings. There is the Discriminating General firm in Ontario, makes custom made garments, rather pricey but well done. I had a lot of luck with Mr. Glendon Hovey at Sew Historic, also of Canada, a tad less expensive and very good commo in the email.

My experience with Sanjay Suri has been quite poor to say the least.

The salt in the wound is his email auto reply," Hari Om, God Bless and I will write you shortly", or something like that.

At the beginning in Dec '09, I described in general what I needed - to which he stated that he had the pattern, melton wool, lace, but not the buttons. No biggee there, I got buttons from Brigade Quartermaster. So with confidence at this point I promptly prepaid for a couple jackets. He said he could easily fill the order. Being more to the point, I did send him 2 pages clearly outlining exactly what was to be made and included a filled out measurement sheet. There should be no confusion, yes ?

First thing that happened was nothing - for 3 months. I tried not to be a bother with repeated or agravated emails. But I was entitled to answers. So finally around April '10 in an email he asked for pics of what I wanted. Really ? He wanted pics. What about what he said at the beginning when he was paid in advance ? I said there were no pics. I haven't heard shite from him since. I feel conned & I am out several hundred dollars.

For some, your order may have been filled by Sanjay Suri no problem-o. There are others like me who DO NOT have good feedback of this firm.

Because of this experience I am now producing an 1836 pattern highland infantry jacket and an Indian Mutiny period "Dust" or khaki jacket, mostly from period photos some decent reference books.

Cheers, Johnnie, 93rd Highlanders.

[Hillebrandt]

Thanks very much for your comments Johnnie. I have come across the Discriminating General in previous uniform searches so I'll take another look. I assume that I may have to pay some import taxes if taking delivery in the UK.

One thing I found out over the weekend was that Nancy from Sutlers Stores in the UK has just started up again, albeit for tailored items only.

Regards,

David

[balaklava]

Agreed on DG, David, bloody shipping rates can be depressing. I had wished for a higher level of professionalism from Mr. Sanjay, he did come recommended by a lad who did have a good experience with him.

I had just recently learned of Nancy and her site, was hoping to do some business at some point. Perhaps soon.

Just a note on Mr Glendon Hovey & Sew Historic, I asked Glendon to make a oilcloth feather bonnet cover with a draw string for me on very short notice. This item is not in his regular product list. He did so & it is a perfect fit for the typical highland soldiers bonnet and was priced very reasonably. Wishing you all the very best,

Cheerio, Johnnie, 93rd Highlanders.

[SimonC]

Does anyone have link for Nancy's new website?
I'm trying to get a Russian Crimean uniform and already have a quote from elsewhere. I'd like to get a quote from Nancy too as I was more than happy with the uniform she did for me before through Sutlers Stores.

Sanjay's uniforms can be bad but they can also be good. I would only order something that I'd seen someone else with and was happy with.

Simon

[Hillebrandt]

Hi Simon,

I was just about to pass on the information to Johnnie in case he hadn't found the new details.

Apparently Nancy has set up 19th Century Tailoring as of 5th September. There is a message on the old website under "Current Situation" mentioning that a new website is under construction. She can be contacted by e-mail on sales@19th-century-tailoring.co.uk

As the company name suggests, I understand that she will only be selling tailored items, so presumably no accoutrements/accessories for the time being.

Hope this helps.

David

[balaklava]

Slendid update David. Many thanks for the web address Sir.

Cheerio, Johnnie.

[SimonC]

Yes, thanks David.

[Hillebrandt]

I've just noticed that Nancy's website is now up and running.

As suspected it is www.19th-century-tailoring.co.uk


David