James Platt & Co.

1850 - 1910

James Platt & Co. were established by at least 1852 and operated from St. Martin's Lane, London, initially trading primarily as woollen drapers rather than manufacturers of travel equipment. By 1865 the firm had expanded to premises at 28 & 29 Cranbourn Street, and by 1880 had acquired the neighbouring property at 77 St. Martin's Lane. By 1912 the trade directories list Alfred Brown & Sons at numbers 77 and 78, with no further reference to Platt, suggesting the firm had ceased trading by this date.
The production of campaign furniture, such as this hanging boot and shoe rack, appears something of a departure from Platt's core business. However, it was clearly a successful and practical design, well suited to the needs of the Victorian traveller. Platt's were patrons of the Army & Navy Co-operative Society Limited, who advertised both the hanging and free-standing versions of the boot rack in their 1907 catalogue.
The hanging rack bears Patent No. 2584 and follows MacDonald's Patent, whose name is frequently stamped alongside that of Platt. These racks were offered in oak, walnut, and mahogany, and were produced in both 2-foot and 3-foot lengths. A free-standing version was also made. Platt is known to have manufactured a number of patented designs by others, many of which focused on the efficient hanging and storage of clothing, including Stone's Patent Trouser Rack.

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