iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

P.S. There is a mystery about the buyer and his intentions. My book, “Lincoln’s Greatcoat: The Unlikely Odyssey of a Presidential Relic,” explores the mysterious “Mr. Douglas.” All Images including the Press Photo: Public Domain (1924) #Brooksbrothers #Lincoln #Auction #Mystery

000

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Following the tragedy, Alphonso Donn—the trustworthy White House doorkeeper who cared for the garment—began snipping small pieces of the coat's lining to give away as mementos to his close friends and family.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The greatcoat, as held by the auctioneer, bore the grim physical scars of that fateful night. To locate the fatal wound, army surgeon Dr. Charles A. Leale immediately ordered the coat to be cut open from the neck all the way down to the elbow.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

🎩 Lincoln’s Famous Brooks Brothers Greatcoat Once Went to Auction 🎩 This newspaper clipping from 1924 reveals the staggering moment the very greatcoat (overcoat) President Abraham Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865, was ostensibly sold at public auction for $6,500.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I just created my new Instagram page: @onecoutry.onedestiny I invite you to follow me for daily stories, quick updates, and behind-the-scenes content.

000

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Even if the mirror tale is romantic brand folklore, it takes nothing away from the deep heritage. It only proves how far the brand went—literally—to serve the President. Image (c) R Chilton

000

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

*He did not travel to Manhattan for fittings. Brooks Brothers sent tailors directly to the White House to take his measurements. *The mirror likely stayed behind in NYC!

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

A quick look at the history books tells a fun twist: *Lincoln rarely left Washington once inaugurated. His only trip through New York was a quiet wartime visit to West Point in 1862.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Beside it sits a stunning Victorian mirror with some famous store lore attached. The story goes that Lincoln was a regular visitor who stood right in front of it for fittings.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Few American brands hold a legacy quite like #BrooksBrothers. To celebrate the anniversary of Lincoln’s 200th birthday, its flagship store (346 Madison Ave.) put an incredible replica on display—the greatcoat it crafted for his 2nd inauguration, which he was wearing on April 14, 1865.

100

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

History is rarely as "intact" as it seems!

021

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

While the Times noted Lincoln's frock coat was in "good condition," Leale described a scene of chaos where he ordered the President’s clothes to be sliced open with a jackknife to save his life. I’m excited to finally share this "frock coat" investigation with you all.

111

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I’ve always been fascinated by the "small" details of history that tell a much larger story. 📜 While researching my new book, I found a fascinating contradiction between a 1968 #nytimes article and the firsthand testimony of Dr. Charles Leale.

111

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

Both coats bear physical evidence of the medical treatment Lincoln received. Suspecting the President had been stabbed, Dr. Leale asked a gentleman in the box to cut Lincoln's clothing from the neck to the elbow to search for wounds." Image: Public Domain

021

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

1. A Brooks Brothers greatcoat (overcoat), which currently rests in storage under the care of the National Park Service. 2. A frock coat (suit coat) held by the Chicago History Museum. For the first half of the century, this garment was considered an authentic assassination relic.

121

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

"#OTD in 1924, the press wires and the Chicago History Museum (formerly the Chicago Historical Society) asked: 'How many coats did Abraham Lincoln wear when he was shot?' My new book, "Lincoln's Frock Coat: The Enduring Mystery of an Assassination Relic," provides the answer: TWO.

121

Lincoln's Coats @regchilton.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

chilton-rg.medium.com/binding-up-w...

020