Mr Dryden's Watch & Waistcoat - Lawrence of Arabia

[Ethan Bentley]

I've just watched Lawrence of Arabia and noticed that Mr Dryden (played by Claude Rains) has two chains on his waistcoat (see picture) one with a charm and presumably a watch but what would be on the other at the top of his waistcoat?


(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Any speculation?

 

[billyspew]

I've just watched Lawrence of Arabia and noticed that Mr Dryden (played by Claude Rains) has two chains on his waistcoat (see picture) one with a charm and presumably a watch but what would be on the other at the top of his waistcoat?

Reading spectacles (ones without arms)? Monacle perhaps?

Of course that is only speculation.

 

[Feraud]

Probably eyeglasses of some sort.

 

["Skeet" McD]

Another vote for pince-nez or a monacle....quite common; usually on a ribbon rather than a chain.

"Skeet"

 

[DerMann]

Some sort of eyewear is the most probable.

Don't forget that fountain pens at the time were made in 'vest pocket' models which had a ring on the cap so that it could be attached to a chain/ribbon and carried in the vest pocket.

 

[Tomasso]

Maybe a Prince Albert chain (no relation to the watch chain).

 

[Baron Kurtz]

specs was the first thing that came to mind … Maybe his service revolver.

bk

 

[H.Johnson]

Ethan,

I think that, if you watch the film the object is not a chain and is not attached to his waistcoat. I see it as a cord around his neck. That's where and how I (and most other users) keep our reading monocles. He doesn't actually produce a monocle in the film, but I suspect that would be the most likely explanation.

 

[Nick D]

I keep my monocle, or my pince nez case if that's what I'm using, in that pocket as well, with or without a cord (usually without.)

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Ethan,

I think that, if you watch the film the object is not a chain and is not attached to his waistcoat. I see it as a cord around his neck. That's where and how I (and most other users) keep our reading monocles. He doesn't actually produce a monocle in the film, but I suspect that would be the most likely explanation.

Sir, you are quite correct. I watched the film again and he has a pair of spectacles around his neck on a ribbon, I noticed when he tries to turn the light on again when the power goes. The glasses seem to have arms but are quite thin.

Many thanks for everybody's imput.

 

[PADDY]

another *interesting* addition to this...

I have known (and seen) an antique chain with a siliver box (almost like a small, slim zippo lighter with a flip top) on the end, that is designed to keep your matches in (for cigars, pipe..etc). Just seen one in an antique shop in Wooler, Northumberland (engraved with a date - early 20's) in the last few weeks. A very nice touch to the gentleman's outfit! and befitting of the Lt.Col Lawrence era.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Ah PADDY, I know what you mean - a Vesta for the waistcoat?
It does sound rather attractive, particularly as I'm a pipe smoker. If I used to safety matches I would have to find somewhere particularly to put the safety strip. If I use regular matches then I can strike anywhere but I do remember stories of gentleman's having small explosions in their pockets from their stock of matches igniting - has this really ever happened?

That said, you've inspired me to look into it a little more, thank you.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

Sir, you are quite correct. I watched the film again and he has a pair of spectacles around his neck on a ribbon,

Oh that's just simply, too, too, Sir Larry Grayson, for words!, love it!

 

[Feraud]

If I use regular matches then I can strike anywhere but I do remember stories of gentleman's having small explosions in their pockets from their stock of matches igniting - has this really ever happened?

The early Lucifers were apparently less stable than their modern counterparts. Pocket ignitions always sounded to me like more like rumor than fact. I cannot recall ever reading an account of a person's matches igniting in their pocket or matchsafe. Of course this is not to say it cannot happen..
This looks like a job for Mythbusters.

 

[Michaelshane]

Went to a drive in movie with my family.My mother leaned over the front seat to reach something in the back seat,the wooden matches in her front pocket ignited.More exiting than the movie.About 1955.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

Oh that's just simply, too, too, Sir Larry Grayson, for words!, love it!

Shut that door!




I have just aquired a vesta/matchsafe shaped as a book.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=360144414429

Looking forward to adding it to my collection of watch chain charms.