For our Canadian friends

[David Thornton]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Military...QQcmdZViewItem

[Macman]

That is interesting. Like someone said on ebay, it does look like the Canada Maple Leaf Tartan, but I don't have anything to compare it to. If it is, then I don't think it would have been used as a military tartan. It would fit a little big around me, but thanks for pointing it out.

Cheers,
David

[macwilkin]

That is interesting. Like someone said on ebay, it does look like the Canada Maple Leaf Tartan, but I don't have anything to compare it to. If it is, then I don't think it would have been used as a military tartan. It would fit a little big around me, but thanks for pointing it out.

Cheers,
David

Actually, the Maple Leaf tartan was intended for a "universal" Canadian military tartan:

"Maple Leaf" was designed by David Weiser in 1964 and adopted by the Canadian Department of National Defence as an indigenous symbol of Canada for Canadian Forces pipers and drummers not having a specific regimental affiliation.

-- http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/maple.htm

There is a link in this article about the Scottish military tradition in Canada to a photo of a pipe band of the 2nd Btn, Royal Canadian Regiment in Fredericton, N.B. wearing the Maple Leaf tartan -- unfortunately, it's in black and white, so you really can't see the tartan:

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Heritage/F...ry_Canada.html

Cheers,

Todd

[Shane]

Up until about 15 years ago or so, many non-highland Canadian Militia regiments had pipe bands or pipers who played with the pipes and drums. Since these regiments had no tartan for the pipers to wear, they would wear Maple Leaf. However, due to funding cutbacks most of these bands don't exist anymore. As far as I know, 2RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) are the only ones still wearing it. It is still listed in Dress Regulations as the tartan worn by pipers with no other regimental tartan.

I also know of a Sea Cadet Corps in the praries with a pipe band, they wear Maple Leaf. Their uniform is the oddest mix of Naval and Highland dress that I have ever seen. I'll see if I can find a pic to post.


Shane

[auld argonian]

Gotta tell ya, though...I really like that Maple Leaf Tartan. One of the most appropriate and tasteful tartans that I've ever seen.

As Canada-philes (is that a word?) my family and I have a few assorted jackets and what-not that sport the BIG RED MAPLE LEAF and the legend "CANADA"...however, we invariably get a snotty comment from one or another of our US brethren to the effect of "If you like Canada so much why don't you go back there?"...first, I'm flattered to be taken for a Canadian; second, yeah...nothing would suit me more than to be sitting in a Tim Horton's with a cup of coffee and one of those little fruit tarts right now!

I'm seriously considering a kilt in Maple Leaf for the future...when my daughter saw it she wanted one immediately!

best

auld argonian

...and, by the way, now that the NHL is back...Go Leafs!

[Colin]

That is interesting. Like someone said on ebay, it does look like the Canada Maple Leaf Tartan, but I don't have anything to compare it to. If it is, then I don't think it would have been used as a military tartan. It would fit a little big around me, but thanks for pointing it out.

Cheers,
David

I have a 4yard piece of Maple Leaf PV at my place right now, and it is indeed the Maple Leaf tartan that is liste don Ebay.

As Canada-philes (is that a word?) my family and I have a few assorted jackets and what-not that sport the BIG RED MAPLE LEAF and the legend "CANADA"...however, we invariably get a snotty comment from one or another of our US brethren to the effect of "If you like Canada so much why don't you go back there?".

Come on up. You'll be more than welcome. You'll get used to not mortgaging the house for a visit to the hospital for the flu, and the taste of real beer will soon make you forget about the sex in a canoe variety you are getting now

nothing would suit me more than to be sitting in a Tim Horton's with a cup of coffee and one of those little fruit tarts right now!

I am doing that very thing right this moment. Of course if I was to call my wife a fruit tart to her face, I would likely be wearing my coffee.

I'm seriously considering a kilt in Maple Leaf for the future...when my daughter saw it she wanted one immediately!

Go for it, it is by far one of my most favourite tartans. The red is not quite as blinding as a Royal Stewart, and the blend of colours is very flattering. There is a Maple Leaf kilt in my future very soon.

...and, by the way, now that the NHL is back...Go Leafs!

Ahh, You had my support to this point. The Leafs? I wonder if Lindros even knows what city he is in anymore? ;-) I guess it could be worse.

[Macman]

Thanks, Todd and Shane. I never knew about the military connection.

Cheers,
David

[starbkjrus]

I agree w/ Auld. My partner is Canadian and I have to say I love that country. Before we met I had been to Canada once or twice as a child and (like most of us in the states) assumed it was just like the US only north. Getting to know Canada over the last 7 years has been just amazing. We travel quite a bit and I've gotten to see a great deal of Ontario, Alberta and BC and get to know a lot of people too. Unless the US Imigration Service gets its act together we may find ourselves selling the house and heading north.

To finally bring this On-Topic: As soon as Fraser & Kirkbright can resolve which one of the two "official" Ontario tartans (it looks to me like when the Provincial Government adopted the official tartan in 2000 they forgot they already had one - at least according to Heritage Canada) I'm going to start looking for someone to make a kilt in it. There are several Canadian District Tartans that are really very nice. As I believe I have seen Graham write: So many tartans so little money/time/patience. :smile:

[Archangel]

Certainly looks like my kilt tartan, Maple Leaf. Yes, it would be military, just without the history as it is a newer design (confirming above comments). I'm very pleased with mine, which is army surplus, as it matches nearly everything. I can easily dress it up or down, fall colours and all.