Tootal - The Company History and its products (ties, scarves etc)

[Ben Stephens]

We must be aware that it is an assumption that we have four styles in 1937. The ad is not Tootal, so, could be a profiteering?

Kindest Regards

 

[Two Types]

Looking at the advert, it does seem odd. The highest prices are much higher than elsewhere at that time. The four types could be popular, standard, special and boys. But the prices are completely wrong.

Maybe we should put this advert to the back of our minds for the moment?

 

[Two Types]

For comparison, here are the backs of a 'special' compare to a 'standard', showing the difference in that the 'special' is lined:

Also, here is a label for a tie made from a cotton/rayon mix. I only have two with this mixture, everything else is just marked as rayon.

This is an unusual one. I have never seen one of these before. It is designed like a Tootal scarf, except narrower, and has a neckband like a Tootal cravat. is anyone else familiar with these?

 

[Two Types]

Here is another selection of patterns/designs from Tootal products:

 

[Two Types]

Some more Tootal patterns:

And a 'Blue Quality' label:

 

[Two Types]

Here are some more advertisements from 1939:

 

[Two Types]

And 1940:

Being wartime, the adverts stress that the company now offer two particular colours in the 'standard' and 'popular' ranges: Khaki for the military and black for funerals

 

[Two Types]

And here's a 1940 Tootal shirts advert. I like the fact that it combines the striped shirt with a check tie:

And a Xmas 1939 advert for shirts, still offering pre-war prices:

 

[Two Types]

Tootal were rather quiet through the war years. It seems they did not advertise widely. However, here are a few examples:

1941

1943 (showing prices):

1944:

 

[Two Types]

Through the late 1940s Tootal ran a series of advertisements emphasising the role the company was playing in exports and the contribution it was making towards the country's balance of payments deficit:

 

[Ben Stephens]

That is interesting. Do you think the Black may be for Navy and RAF as well as Funerals?

Kindest Regards

Ben

 

[Two Types]

That's a very good point: I forgot about the RAF and Royal Navy.

 

[Two Types]

Here are a selection of advertisements for Tootal ties from 1949. This appears to be the first time that they really push the fact that the ties are 'Tebelized' - even though they had been using that process for a number of years previously. The adds stress that the range includes: plain shades, dots, stripes, paisleys and checks. I love the tagline - 'Cheer up your old suits with new ties':

 

[herringbonekid]

this just got here from the states !

it's 46" long and slightly stiffer fabric than the British Tootals i've got.

edit: actually it's much stiffer !

 

[Two Types]

That' s a nice one. Mid 1940s? I wonder if they were ever as succesful in North America as in the UK. I would guess not considering the quality of ties available in the USA during that period.

 

[herringbonekid]

TT, the seller had listed the tie as 20s, but i think that is because it resembles the American tie designs of the 20s that he is used to dealing with. it's probably late 30s to mid 40s.

if any U.S. readers of this thread have any U.S. or Canadian Tootal 'Croydon' (or other) ties please post them.

 

[Two Types]

There was a 'Croydon' tie sold by (I think) 'Mountain Man' through the classifieds quite recently. There was no mention of Tootal in the listing. I asked the buyer to post pictures of the label when he receives the tie.

 

[Two Types]

Back again with a 'popular quality' tie that I guess comes from the 1930s. It has the earliest looking Tootal label that I own. Cost me all of 99p (+ postage) on Ebay:

 

[Ben Stephens]

I found a boys Quality tie in my collection of photos. I have given the tie away now, but, at least I took photos for reference

 

[Two Types]

The question is this: I love Tootal; This is a Tootal scarf still in its original box; I don't particularly like the design (and already have a cravat in the same pattern); the box isn't an exciting design; and I've spent too much on scarves recently; Should i buy it?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FABULOUS-MENS-VINTAGE-TOOTAL-SCARF-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-UNUSED-/170873994750?pt=UK_Vintage_Accessories&hash=item27c8e23dfe