PERSIMMON (1897)


HISTORICAL BACKGROUND | PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP | SIBLINGS & SHOWS | BREEDING & PROGENY
PHOTOS | SOCIAL MEDIA | REFERENCES

Photo: Cats for Pleasure and Profit (1909) by Frances Simpson. Courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

In general terms the 'Brownies', as Brown Tabbies were referred to, were often overlooked in the race to obtain what was perceived to be a more glamorous cat. Hence the white, and blue, and in tabbies the silver tabby, in particular, became a favourite. But a good Brown Tabby, with its warm rufous undercoat and dark brown markings was also a striking cat to the fancier of warmer colours.

As to the origin of the name 'tabby' for a cat with stripes or bars, Harrison Weir provides us with a historical reference:

"The word 'tabby' was derived from a kind of taffeta, or ribbed silk, which when calendered, or what is now termed 'watered', is by that process covered with wavy lines. This stuff in bygone times was often called 'tabby,' hence the cat with lines or markings on its fur was called a tabby cat. Certain it is that the word 'tabby,' only referred to the markings or stripes, not to the absolute colour, for in 'Wit and Drollery' is the following: - Her petticoat of satin, Her gown of crimson tabby. Be that as it may, I think there is little doubt that the foregoing was the origin of the term. Yet it was also called the brindled cat, or the tiger cat, and with some, the grey cat - 'graymalkin'"10 (Ed: also known as Grymalkin).

Frances Simpson adds to the above:

"We are told also by the same authority, that tabby cats in Norfolk and Suffolk were called Cyprus cats, cypress being a reddish-yellow colour, so that the term may have applied to orange as well as brown tabbies. The term 'tiger cat' is, I believe, often used in America, and it well describes the true type of a brown tabby. The groundwork should be of a bright tawny shade, with a dash of burnt sienna, the markings a dark seal brown, almost black."1

In fact, the term 'Cyprus' cat, was widely used throughout Europe to describe a 'tabby' patterned cat. In evidence of this we have the below image of a tabby cat, captioned as a 'Cypress Cat' in an engraved plate of cat breeds, drawn by German artist and naturalist, Jean Bungartz, published in 1897.

The 'Cyprus Cat', an illustration by Jean Bungartz
From a full page engraved plate of 'Cat Breeds' by Jean Bungartz, published in German, in 1897. 9
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

One of the most famous of the early 'Brownies' was Miss Southam's 'Birkdale Ruffie' (NCC:1778) who was born 22nd March 1890, and registered as a 'Sable' Tabby. He was bred by Mr. J.W. Townsend, and first exhibited by Miss Southey as a kitten, but his early forays into shows were without success. It was not until 1894 that his obvious qualities were noticed by judge Mr. Fred Gresham, at the West of England Cat Show, where he gained two first prizes in the open and novice classes and two specials. Miss Southam's sister writes:

"Here at last his beautiful sable colouring, his dense black markings, and wonderfully expressive face were appreciated.

"The year 1896 was the occasion of his sensational win at the Crystal Palace Show. He simply swept the board, carrying everything before him - first prize, championship, several specials, and the special given by the King (then Prince of Wales) - for the best rough-coated cat in the Show, the prize being a handsomely framed portrait of the King with his autograph attached. Mrs. Vallance was judge. Again, in 1897, he was shown with great success at the Crystal Palace, winning first prize, championship and special."1

'Champion Birkdale Ruffie', owned by Miss Emily Southam
Photo: J.A. Kay, Southport. The Book of The Cat (1903) by Frances Simpson1
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

It was against this combined backdrop of both breed neglect and success that Miss Simpson's favourite 'Persimmon' was born.

PARENTAGE & OWNERSHIP:

        Brown Prince, Brown Tabby
    Billy
    |   Unknown
Persimmon, Jun-5-1897, Brown Tabby, M
    |   Unknown
    Flirt
        Unknown

'Persimmon' was born 5th June, 1897. He was bred by Mr. Charles Heslop, sired by 'Billy' and out of 'Flirt'. He was duly purchased as a kitten by Frances Simpson at the Brighton Cat Show. In her Our Cats and All About Them, published in 1902, she describes him as an adult as: "perfect in shape, with an immense head, short snub nose, and tiny well-placed ears".2

This is a wonderful description of a Persian cats' head, and it is interesting to note that these are terms which are still used and applied by judges today, in describing a cat which fits the 'standard', however the interpretation of what is 'snub' has changed significantly!

Miss Frances Simpson with 'Cambyses'
Photo: Gunn & Stewart, Richmond. Cats and All About Them (1902)2
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

But of course, 'Persimmon' was not the first Brown Tabby owned by Miss Simpson. In fact, her first success on the show bench came with a 'Brownie' as she relates herewith:

"My first prize-winning kitten was a brown tabby, exhibited many years ago at the Crystal Palace. He became my stud cat 'Rajah,' called after an Indian prince who was visiting us at that time. 'Rajah' was wholly and devotedly attached to the lady of his choice, namely my blue Persian, 'Mater'. These two names occur in the pedigree of many a prize-winner of the present day, and very numerous were the lovely litters I reared from this eminently respectable pair of Persians. I never knew either 'Rajah' or 'Mater' troubled with a day's illness, and if one of their kittens had died such an event would have caused as much astonishment as grief. But I must return to my tabbies.1

"I cannot explain it, but certain it is that of all the feline race (blues not excepted) the warmest corner in my heart has always been kept for the brown tabbies. There is something so comfortable and homely about these dear brownies - they seem to have more intelligent and expressive countenances than any other cats, and I am firmly of opinion that no Persian cats are so healthy and strong as brown tabbies. They are a hardy race, and as such I have frequently recommended novices in the fancy to start with a good brown queen, and with ordinary care they may reasonably expect to rear litter after litter without the difficulties and disasters that one hears of in connection with the bringing up of Persian kittens in general."1

A bonnie litter of 'Brownies' similar to those described by Frances Simpson
Photo by Terry Hunt, Vandycke Studio, Basingstoke 8
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

Miss Simpson elaborates on the Brown Tabbies of the era:

"Very few and far between have been good brown tabbies in the history of the fancy. Amongst the males two names may be said to stand out conspicuously - Miss Southam's 'Birkdale Ruffie' and my own 'Persimmon'. Both these cats, or quite different types, have gone to their rest."1

Miss Southam adds:

"'Birkdale Ruffie' was noted for the extreme beauty of his expression; he had certainly one of the most characteristic faces ever seen in a cat, and his son (Ed: 'Master Ruffie'), inherits the same. The former was constantly the subject of sketches in the illustrated papers, those by Mr. Louis Wain being especially life-like. Some of 'Master Ruffie's' descendants are, I believe, in the possession of Miss Whitney, and have met with great success in the show pen."1

Miss Simpson then gives us an account of the acquisition of 'Persimmon' and his notable qualities:

"Here let me give a few details of my dear departed puss. 'Persimmon' was a well-known character in the fancy, and had the distinction of being a Champion in both the National Cat Club and The Cat Club. It was in 1899, when judging at Brighton, I was greatly taken with a wonderful headed brown tabby that came under my awards. I gave him first in his class, and when later I obtained a catalogue and saw his price was a very reasonable one, I purchased him, and I may say I never made a better bargain, in or out of the cat fancy. 'Persimmon' (as I afterwards called him, in memory of the Derby winner) was bred by Mr. Heslop of Darlington, that astute and clever cat fancier; and his grandsire was 'Brown Prince,' a noted northern prize-winning tabby. I have never seen such a wonderful head as that which made 'Persimmon's' chief glory.

"His face was very round, and his nose quite a snub, and he was blessed with tiny ears and short tail. His shape was perfect, but the markings on his back were rather too heavy, and alas! he had a white under-lip. But, taking him all round, he was a grand specimen, and a most lovable puss. He fretted himself to death when a change of residence from the country to London obliged me to board him out."1

SIBLINGS & SHOWS:

There are no full or half-siblings of record for 'Persimmon'.

Shows:

From The Cat Club Register and the National Cat Club Stud-book and Register we have the following official wins for 'Persimmon', which are likely to be incomplete:

1st and Special - Brighton, November 1898
1st, Challenge Cup and Specials - Westminster, 1899
1st, Crystal Palace, 1900
1st, Harrogate, 1901
1st, Crystal Palace, 1901

BREEDING & PROGENY:

It would certainly not be an exaggeration to state that 'Persimmon' was both a prolific and reliable stud cat, whose services were in considerable demand. One only has to review the lists of visitations published throughout the many editions of Our Cats in the first two years of the new century to find evidence in support of this.

Miss R. Whitney with 'Persimmon Laddie'
Photo: W.Lawrence, Dublin. The Book of The Cat (1903) by Frances Simpson1
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

At a guinea a time, Miss Simpson would have made a considerable and tidy profit from the timely purchase of this exceptional tabby male. Her marketing skills were 'par excellence' and consequently the list of his progeny is long. That some of his visiting queens returned for second litters shows that he consistently sired strong healthy kittens. Frances Simpson herself claims:

" 'Persimmon' sired some splendid kittens, which whenever shown proved themselves worthy of their sire's long prize-winning record. At the Crystal Palace show of 1902, Miss Whitney exhibited two of his progeny - a superb neuter, 'Persimmon Laddie' who covered himself with glory and his cage with cards, and a beautiful kitten that had previously won at Manchester and has since been purchased at a high figure by a lover of brownies. At the Specialist Show at Bath in 1903, 'Persimmon Laddie' was again to the fore, and won in the open and ring classes. 'Persimmon' was a great loss, for good brown tabbies are rare. I hope, however, to purchase a fine, well-grown son of my dear old 'Simmy' and as 'Persimmon II'. I trust it may be a case of 'like father like son', and that by-and-by, we may find quite a long list of brown tabby Persians 'at stud' in the columns of the catty papers."

Below, is provided a list of the queens and their respective noted progeny sired by 'Persimmon', that gives an overall view of the extent of his influence within this variety of the Persian breed. Images of some of the resultant progeny have been included where available.

  • From 'BLUEBELLE' (in a litter born pre-1898) 'Bluebelle' was a Blue Persian.
    • 'MAISIE' a blue Persian female, bred and owned by Mrs. Gregory, (ACA v1) who when bred to 'Fulmer Roy' became famous as the dam of the Blue 'Champion Skellingthorpe Patrick'.

  • From 'CLEO' (in a litter born in 1898), bred by Mrs. MacKenzie.
    • 'POLLUXIA', a brown tabby female, retained by Mrs. MacKenzie.(CCR.v4)

  • From 'LADY BABBIE' (in a litter born 19th April, 1899).
    • 'MISS TOMMY DUVALS', a brown tabby female. Bred by Miss E.H. Gray and owned by Miss Meeson. (CCR.v4)(OC:06/04)(MCCC:1904)

  • From 'CLEOPATRA' (in a litter born 25th May, 1899), bred by Miss Eggett.
    • 'HIGHFIED PAMELA', brown tabby female, owner: Miss L.Higgs (OC:6/02)
    • 'PAMELA', brown tabby female, owner: Miss Frances Simpson (CCR v5)
    • 'PERSIMMONINE' brown tabby female, owner: Mrs. J.Smurthwaite (CCR v4)
    • 'SALLY', brown tabby female, owner: Mrs. Round.(MCCC:1902)

  • From 'BIRKDALE FINA', (aka Brayfort Fina). (in a litter born 21st July, 1899), bred by Miss Rosamund Whitney.
    • 'PERSIMMON LADDIE' (aka 'Brayfort Persimmon Laddie') a brown tabby de-sexed male. 'Laddie' was exhibited successfully and is shown in the photo above with his breeder/owner, Miss Rosamund Whitney.

'Brayfort Persimmon Laddie'
Ch. Persimmon x Brayfort Fina
Photo: Our Cats Magazine, 28th March, 190315
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

'Champion Robin'
Champion Persimmon x Lady Bird
Photo: Country Life Magazine,(USA), 190814
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

  • From 'LADY BIRD' (in a litter born October, 1899), bred by Miss Emily Goddard.
    • 'ROBIN', (BCC:407)(CFA 199), an Orange tabby male, subsequently exported to the United States and owned by Miss Estelle Ward of Brooklyn, New York. First prize winner, New York, 1904. (CFA Studbook v.1)

  • From 'JOLIE DUVALS' (in a litter born 29th April, 1900), bred by Miss S. Meeson.
    • 'LADY PURR DUVALS', a brown tabby female, retained by Miss Meeson.

  • From 'BUNCH' (in a litter born 16th May, 1900), bred by Mrs. L.G. Drury.
    • 'JEWEL OF PERSIA', a black female.(CCR.v4) listed to Mrs. Drury.
    • 'SQUALLINA', a black female.(CCR.v4) listed to Mrs. Drury.
    • 'SIMON DALE', a brown tabby male.(CCR.v4) listed to Mrs. Drury.

  • From 'BUNDY' (in a litter born June, 1900), bred by Mrs. L.G.Drury.
    • 'BLACKBERRY', a black female, owned by Miss Emily Goddard.(OC:08/01)

  • From 'DARKIE DUVALS' (in a litter born 19th June, 1900), bred by Mrs. D. Bevington Smith.
    • 'POMPEY OF PRITTLEWELL', a brown tabby male owned by Miss Dorothy Scratton. (CCR.v4)(OC:06/02)
    • 'WICKHAM BEAUTY', a brown tabby female owned by Miss E. Chamberlayne (CCR.v4)(OC:06/02)
    • 'WICKHAM BUNCH', a brown tabby female, held by Mrs. D. Bevington Smith. (CCR.v4)

  • From 'JUMMY' (in a litter born 9th July, 1900), bred by Mrs. J.F.Sinclair.
    • 'BLACK BOY', a black neuter, owned by Lady Marcus Beresford.(CCR.v4)
    • 'TABITHA', a brown tabby female,(CCR.v4)

  • From 'MISS BROWNIE' (in a litter born 10th September, 1900), bred by Mrs. Parker.
    • 'TIMOTHY OF SYDENHAM', a brown tabby neuter, owned by Mr. J. Redforde. (OC: 06/02)

'Saratoga Dolly Dutton'
Ch. Persimmon x Banshee
Photo: CFA Studbook, Vol.1, (1909)6
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

  • From 'BANSHEE', (aka 'The Banshee'). (in a litter born 4th October, 1900), bred by Reay Greene.
    • 'BENGAL TIGER', a brown tabby neuter, owned by Miss F.Allen.(CCR.v5)
    • 'DOLLY DUTTON', a black female, (aka 'Saratoga Dolly Dutton') imported into the USA by Mrs. Robert Locke, and owned by Dr R. Ottolengui of New York.(BCC:557)
    • 'MISS BLACKIE', a black female, exported to Mrs. Clinton Locke,Chicago. (OC:04/1902).

  • From 'PRINCESS THYLA' (in a litter born pre-1901), bred by Mrs. Robertson.
    • 'HEARTSEASE', colour unknown, but sired by Ch. Persimmon. Appears in the CCR.v5 as the dam of the blue Persian female 'Kew Sunshine' by the blue male 'Ronald' (aka 'Ayrshire Ronald').

  • From 'PATIENCE' (in a litter born 13th March, 1901), bred by Mrs. Francis Collinson.
    • 'FRANCESCA', a brown tabby female, retained by Mrs. Collinson. (CCR.v5)

  • From 'LADY BABBIE' (in a litter born 27th March, 1901), bred by Miss E.H. Gray.
    • 'DAFFY OF WARE', a brown tabby female, owned by Mrs. H. Gordon.(CCR.v5)
    • 'MISS DARKIE', a brown tabby female, owned by (1) Mrs. Kitto (CCR.v5) and (2)Mrs. E.Lewis (Sup.SB1)(OC:06/02)
    • 'MISS DINAH', a brown tabby female, retained by Miss E.H. Gray.

'Persimmon II'
Ch. Persimmon x Fairy Queen
Photo: Our Cats, 4th April, 1903.6
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

  • From 'FAIRY QUEEN' (in a litter born 7th April, 1901), bred by Mrs. E.Whittaker.
    • 'SEBASTIEN', a brown tabby male owned by Mrs. Tomlin. (CCR.v5)(err.Mar)
    • 'LANCASHIRE PRINCE', a brown tabby male, retained by Mrs. E.Whittaker. (OC: 06/02)
    • 'PERSIMMON II', a brown tabby male, owned by Miss Frances Simpson. (OC:12/03) (MCCC: 1904). Initially a replacement for 'Ch.Persimmon' held by Frances Simpson. Sire of 'Russet Boy of Ravenor', a brown tabby out of 'Darkie Duvals'. 'Russet Boy' went on to sire another generation of brownies carrying the 'Persimmon' lines, including exports to the USA.

  • From 'LYDIA' (in a litter born 21st April, 1901), bred by Miss Smith.
      'DANDY DICK', a brown tabby male, owned by Mrs. Edith Walton. (OC:06/02)

  • From 'MISS TOMMY' (in a litter born 28th April, 1901), bred Mrs. W.M. Meeson. (OC:06/02)
    • 'RETTENDON COUNTESS', a brown tabby female, owned by Mrs. Meeson.
    • 'RETTENDON QUEEN', a brown tabby female, owned by Mrs. Meeson.

  • From 'BETTINDA' (in a litter born 23rd May, 1901), bred by Mrs. F.W. Western.
    • 'HIS MAJESTY', a brown tabby male. Listed to Mrs. Western.(CCR.v5)
    • 'LORD NICK', a brown tabby male. Listed to Mrs. Western. (CCR.v5)
    • 'THE DUCHESS', a brown tabby female. Listed to Mrs. Western. (CCR.v5)

  • From 'MISS WIGGS' (in a litter born 20th June, 19010, bred by Mrs. L.G. Drury.
    • 'PERIWIG', a brown tabby male, retained by Mrs. L.G. Drury. (CCR.v5)
    • 'MISSDEE', (no dob.), but listed as the dam of Brayfort Tip Topper, (CFAv2) with sire as 'Ch. Persimmon' and dam as 'Miss Wiggs'.(presumed Br.Tabby).
    • 'BROWNIE', a brown tabby female, owned by Mrs. Phillips.(OC:09/03).
    • 'PERSIMMON SQUIRREL', a brown tabby male, (aka 'Madison Persimmon Squirrel'), imported into the USA by Mrs. Clinton Locke, (OC: 06/02), later owned by Miss Lucy C. Johnstone (Madison Cattery).(TLF:06/03).

LEFT: 'Mrs. L.G. Drury's 'Periwig' RIGHT: 'Madison Persimmon Squirrel'
Ch. Persimmon x Miss Wiggs
Periwig Photo: The Book of The Cat (1903) by Frances Simpson1
Squirrel Photo: 'The Ladies Field', 27 June, 19035
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

  • From 'BARONIA' (in a litter born 27th September, 1901), bred by Miss Frances Simpson.
    • 'SIMON PURE', a brown tabby male, imported into the USA by Mrs. J.V. Gotwalts, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Golwalts Stud advertisement, including 'SIMON PURE'
From Field and Fancy 24th January, 190315
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

  • From 'BARONIA' (in a litter born 12th March, 1902.) bred by Miss Emily Goddard.
    • 'BROOMHALL JOHN', a brown tabby neuter, owned by Miss U.M. Priestman. (OC:12/04)
      Note: 'Baronia', who was bred by Mrs. Bignall, appears to have changed hands twice in short succession, firstly from Miss Simpson, to Miss Goddard after the birth of 'Simon Pure'. Then in the 5th July issue of Our Cats, her registration is listed with Mrs. Gotwalts as the owner, so it appears that she was exported, possibly at the same time as her son 'Simon Pure'.

  • From 'PATIENCE' (in a litter born 29th March, 1902), bred by Mrs. Francis Collinson.
    • 'KENDAL BROWN', a brown tabby female. Listed as for Mrs. Collinson.
    • 'LADY GOLIGHTLY', a brown tabby female. Listed as for Mrs. Collinson.
      This entry is from 'Our Cats', 14th March, 1903 with sire listed as 'late'.

  • From 'BRAYFORT FINA' (in a litter born 2nd May, 1902), bred by Miss Rosamund Whitney.
    • 'BROWN PATRICIA', a brown tabby female, owned by Mrs. Sinclair Webb. (OC:10/05)

  • From 'DARKIE DUVALS' (in a litter born 3rd May, 1902), bred by Mrs. D. Bevington Smith.
    • 'WICKHAM FLUFF', a brown tabby female, listed to Mrs. Bevington Smith. (MCCC:1902)
    • 'WICKHAM PERSIS', a brown tabby female, listed to Mrs. Bevington Smith. (CCR.v5)(err.1901)
    • 'WICKHAM SOOT', a black female, owned by Mrs. Walter.(MCCC:1903)

  • From 'PERSEPHONE' (in a litter born 18th May, 1902), bred by Miss Rosamund Whitney.
    • 'BRAYFORT BROWN BERRIE', a brown tabby female, retained by Miss Whitney. (OC: 09/05)

  • From 'TAZZA' (in a litter born 26th July, 1902), bred by Mr. Thomas Furze.
    • 'MISS PERSIMMON', a brown tabby female, originally retained by Mr. Furze. (MCCC:1902), later under the ownership of Mrs. P. Ellis. (MCCC: 1903).

  • From 'JOLIE DUVALS' (in a litter born 11th August, 1902), bred by Miss S. Meeson.
    • 'LITTLE JOLIE DUVALS', a brown tabby female, retained by Miss Meeson. (OC:09/03)

  • From 'BUBBLES' (in a litter born September, 1902), bred by Mrs. Ward.
    • 'BRUSHWOOD PERSIMMON', a brown tabby male, initially owned by Miss Frances Simpson, but duly imported into the USA, by Mrs. W.Eames Colburn of Chicago.(BCC:993)

In commenting on the brown tabby queens of the period, Miss Simpson had the following to say about some of the females listed above:

"Miss Eggett, of Manchester, has a grand tabby of the golden order named 'Cleopatra'. Mrs. Whittaker has some nice specimens, and Mrs. MacKenzies 'Cleo' was much admired at the Westminster Show in 1900, when she took first in her class. Mrs. Ricketts has always been partial to the breed, and Mrs. Stead's 'Timber' has done some winning. Miss Gray's 'Lady Babbie' was one of the finest brown queens that used to visit 'Persimmon,' and another was Miss Meeson's 'Jolie,' whom I used greatly to admire."

PHOTOS:

'CHAMPION PERSIMMON'
by 'Billy' ex 'Flirt', proudly owned by Miss Frances Simpson

Photo: From The Book of The Cat (1903) by Frances Simpson 1
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

SOCIAL MEDIA :

Stud advertisement for 'Ch. Persimmon'
From The Cat Club Register, Vol.II, 18994
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

Mrs. Golwalts Stud advertisement, including 'SIMON PURE'
From Cats and All About Them (1902) by Frances Simpson 2
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

'Champion Persimmon'
featured on a Cowans 'Noted Cats' Series Collectors Card11
Image courtesy of The Harrison Weir Collection

In Summary:

We get a little personal glimpse of 'Persimmon' at home, from an article that appeared in '=Our Cats in December 1900, written by a reporter who visited the home of Miss Simpson, Durdan's House, St. Margaret-on-Thames. In it, the visitor relates:

"'And what about Persimmon?' I asked. 'I purchased him Brighton three years ago - come and have a look at him?' We proceeded to the pretty garden, where, in a sheltered corner, stood one of Boulton and Paul's nice double houses. Here Persimmon's grand form was shown to perfection. He had every appearance of a tiger, and when his mistress opened the doors, he came rubbing his huge head up against her. He looked the picture of health, and his grand tawny colour showed to advantage in the sunshine."

Miss Simpson loved a great many cats in her lifetime, most of them being either Brown Tabbies, Blue Persians or Chinchillas, but she had a special bond with her beloved 'Brownies'. And in this variety, her 'Champion Persimmon' could lay claim to a particularly special, almost sanctified place in her heart. Although she was herself especially well-known as a 'Champion of Blue Persians', no-one could have done more to fly the flag for the Brown Tabby long-hair, or to provide education, maintenance and sustenance for it, both throughout England, the United States and beyond.

Her confidence in the hardiness of the variety was not misplaced. Even today, a Brown or Patched Tabby will appear to be a better built, heavier boned and healthier specimen that many of its Persian breed counterparts. Although the writer cannot personally recall any Brown Tabby Persian that has taken the highest honour in CFA, many have featured highly in the national rankings. In the modern era, an Exotic (Persian) Shorthair, in the form of Cheryl and Bob Lorditch's magnificent brown tabby 'GC, NW Jovan The Legend', took out CFA Cat of The Year for 1990-1991. One cannot help but wonder what Frances Simpson would have thought of such an incredible cat if only she had been able to be here to see it.

The journey from then to now has been a long and difficult one, but in every journey there are markers and milestones, and 'Ch. Persimmon' can certainly lay claim to being an early milestone in the development of the brown tabby; in a journey that has already lasted more than 130 years.

REFERENCES:

  1. The Book of The Cat, by Frances Simpso, 1903
  2. Cats and All About Them, by Frances Simpson, 1902
  3. Cats for Pleasure and Profit , by Frances Simpson, 1909
  4. The Cat Club Register , Vol. 2, 1899
  5. The Ladies Field, 27th June, 1903
  6. Stud Book and Register of the Cat Fanciers' Association, Vol.1, 1909
  7. Our Cats Magazine, 4th April 1903
  8. 'Postcard Photo' by Terry Hunt, Vandycke Studios, Basingstoke
  9. 'Cat Breeds' illustration by Jean Bungartz, 1897
  10. Our Cats, by Harrison Weir, 1889
  11. 'Cowans - Noted Cats' Series of Collectable Cards, 1925
  12. Stud-Book and Register of the National Cat Club, Vols 1-5
  13. Field and Fancy, 24th January, 1903
  14. Country Life Magazine, (USA), 1908
  15. Our Cats Magazine, 28th March, 1903
  16. The Cat Club Register, Vols.1-5
  17. Show Catalogs of the Midland Counties Cat Club, 1902-1905
  18. NCC Registrations listed in Our Cats Magazines, 1901-1905
  19. Photos and Quotations as per credits noted

Registers associated with this article include The Incorporated Cat Fanciers Association of Great Britain (TICFAGB), National Cat Club (NCC), The Cat Club (CCR), Beresford Cat Club (BCC), Feline Federation Francaise (FFF), Siamese Cat Registry (SCR), US Register & Studbook for Cats (USR)including Supplement(USRS), The Studbook of the American Cat Association (ACA), and the Studbook & Register of the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

 


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