Approximately two years ago Selfridges stocked Atkinson's Irish Poplin ties in 'military' stripes and challis patterns. They seem to have stopped now. Does anyone know of any other London stockists? The salesmen in Budd said that 'some shops' on Jermyn Street had them, but refused to be more specific: understandable really. Upon enquiry at all likely candidates none of the staff had the foggiest what I was on about.

I have a couple of vintage Brooks ties presumably from this maker, identified as "Made In The United Kingsom, 50% Wool, 50% Silk" on the label. The nice thing about them is the very subtle sheen provided by the blend. Less brassy than a 100% silk repp. The presence of wool in the necktie seems to team really well with tweed and oxford cloth.

There used to be a shop on the corner of Cheapside and Wood Street that sold all the school and military ties. The window was full of ties with a description of what they represented.

Good for confidence tricksters. 'I say Fawlty, could you cash a cheque - £100 to see me through to the weekend ?'

The shop has long ago disappeared.

I also bet that if you wore a London cut Tweed at Harvard back in the day instead of a US cut one you'd have been no end of a swell.

And later, during the 'Ripley' years, something from Rome would have given you the same status.