Commission purchasing in 1930 is a total disconnect with actual history. You need real skills to command and "drive" a dreadnought! At least no one has so far come forth with the notion that RAF pilots could buy their way into a Spitfire cockpit.
Gough Thomas was not wealthy nor titled, he was a an engineer in charge of rural electrification. I am certain he did not "buy" his position with the electricity authority! In the 1950s he ordered a Henry Atkin best sidelock.
Closer to home, our local butcher in London, in the 1960s bought a Holland and Holland Royal for a couple of thousand pounds. Less than he paid for his car back then.
No matter what some want to believe about the hallowed names, there were times when they were affordable, new as well as used.
