The Right Stuff

[Coel Hen]

Greetings,

This thread is inspired by the power of the visual image to demonstrate what I consider "The Right Stuff" for me to have. Comments, posts, and pictures are welcome.

This photograph starts with the foundation: Education.

From my bookshelves, these are the volumes that have sustained me at various points in my life, as well as trained me to attempt to become a gentleman.

1. Webster's New International Dictionary, Second Edition, Unabridged, 1950.
To understand what I read and hear.

2. The Officer's Guide, 9th Edition, A Ready Reference on Customs and Correct Procedures Which Pertain to Commissioned Officers of the Army of the United States, 1942.
To understand military protocol and how to act like an officer.

3. Gentleman: A Timeless Fashion, Bernhard Roetzel, 1999.
To understand how to dress like a gentleman.

4. Debrett's New Guide to Etiquette & Modern Manners: The Indispensable Handbook, John Morgan, 1996.
To understand how to act like a gentleman and court protocol.

5. Selected Essays, Michel de Montaigne, Classics Club Edition, 1943.
To understand how to think, reason, write, and live well.

6. Berlitz World Wide Phrase Book, 1962.
To attempt to ask them if they can speak English in: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Swahili, Urdu-Hindi, Malay-Indonesian, Chinese, and Japanese.

7. East to the Amazon: In Search of the Great Paititi and the Trade Routes of the Ancients, Colonel John Blashford-Snell and Richard Snailham, 2002.
My being part of an expedition. Putting 1-6 into practice.

CH

 

[Coel Hen]

Greetings,

Here are the additional categories of what are my foundation for a wardrobe.

A. Shoes.
1. Lucchese Cowboy Boots, Brown, 2001.
2. Foster's of London Lace Up Boots, Brown, 1999.
3. Ducker's of Oxford Brogue, Brown, Custom Orthopedic Inserts, 1976.
4. Ducker's of Oxford Cap Toe, Black, 1976.
5. Foster's of London, Moccasin, Brown, 2002.
6. Sperry Boat Shoes, Brown Suede, 2006.
7. Merrell Trainers, Custom Orthopedic Inserts, 2007.
8. Birkenstock Sandals, Brown, with Custom Orthopedic Modification, 2007.

B. Belts.
1. Brown Belt.
2. Black Leather Braces.
3. Custom Brown Leather Tooled Belt with Custom Ranger Set, German Silver.

C. Hats
1. Mortar Board, Oxford.
2. Boat Club Wool Cap, bespoke.
3. Expedition Hat, Lock's of London.
4. Panama Optimo Rollup, Ede & Ravenscroft, Oxford, College Hatband.
5. Air Force cap.
6. Stetson Gus straw hat.

D. Jewelry.
1. Gold Waltham Pocket Watch, with grandfather's gold fob.
2. Silver color Elgin Pocket Watch, from father, with leather fob.
3. Gold octagonal 10K ring with lapis stone.
4. College cufflinks.
5. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses.

E. Accessories.
1. Kaywoodie Pipe, father's, 1950s.
2. Lambskin Tobacco Pouch, father's, 1950s.
3. Baseball autographed by Hall of Famer.
4. Case Pocket Knife.
5. Waterman Fountain Pen, custom ground nib, 1915.
6. Black Leather Wallet, father's, 1950s.
7. $100 Dollar Bill. For whatever you can imagine.

CH

 

[sonlegoman]

I don't even know what the hell is going on anymore.

 

[Willsw]

You are a gentleman cowboy pilot. The ultimate American. Nice pen.

 

[embowafa]

one question....

how is an autographed HoF baseball part of your wardrobe?

 

[Coel Hen]

You correctly point out it is not. Somehow, upon reflection, it simply begged to be in a picture. Therefore, it stands as an "unworn accessory", merely a cool thing to have.

CH