Its namesake, Thomas Doggett, was an Irish actor and comedian who managed the Drury Lane Theatre and took a considerable interest in the Thames watermen who in his day were the closest equivalent to the modern-day London taxi driver.
Doggett's fascination with the watermen led him to organise an annual rowing race for six promising young apprentices, the first of which was held on August 1, 1715, a date chosen by the devoted Whig because it commemorated King George's accession.
Until his death in 1721, Doggett awarded the winner with a coat adorned with a silver badge bearing the horse of Hanover and the motto Liberty and set out provisions in his will to fund the prize in perpetuity.
Despite nearly 300 years in existence and as many victors, it is unusual to see a Doggett's badge at auction, and even rarer to see the accompanying suit - but both turned up in the Passion for Fashion sale at Kerry Taylor Auctions in association with Sotheby's on December 12.
George Turferry, who hailed from Bankside, won this particular badge, coat, cap and breeches along with £10 prize money on August 1, 1900. He was believed to be the smallest man ever to win the Doggett race, rowing to the Old Swan in 32 minutes and 45 seconds.
His cast silver badge was inscribed to the border The Gift of Mr Thomas Doggett the late famous Comedian in commemoration of King George's happy accession to the Throne of Great Britain 1714 and was dated and inscribed with the name of the victor. The suit of bright scarlet facecloth comprised a coat with a gathered skirt and domed plated buttons, matching breeches and a simple cap, and came with three pairs of cream silk stockings and a photograph of Mr Turferry wearing the outfit.
The buyer purchased it as a Christmas present for his father who is a retired waterman, at a mid-estimate £1400 (plus 20 per cent commission).
By Stephanie Harris
