Silver versus cloth buttons

[fballem]

I have inherited my father's highland dress, but something that my mother said, plus a very vague distant memory is that there is a significance to the silver buttons on the jacket, verus plain cloth covered buttons, and military service.

I'm sorry, I do not have a picture, but my father wore his kilt primarily to black tie events. If someone could tell me if there is any significance to having silver buttons versus cloth buttons, I would be most grateful.

Thanks,

[JSFMACLJR]

Silver buttons are usual with Highland evening dress. I have never seen cloth covered buttons used. At one time Highlanders adorned themselves with silver buttons so that if they were killed in battle, the buttons could be used to pay for a decent burial. So I've heard.

[Jock Scot]

Silver buttons are usual with Highland evening dress. I have never seen cloth covered buttons used. At one time Highlanders adorned themselves with silver buttons so that if they were killed in battle, the buttons could be used to pay for a decent burial. So I've heard.

I agree and yes, I have heard the paying for the funeral thing too.

You may be extremely lucky and find that the buttons are real silver. Not usual these days, I know, but I would check nonetheless. IF they are, look after them and steady with the polishing.

[fballem]

Thanks - I like the 'paying for the funeral' and I will check if they are real buttons.

[creagdhubh]

I'd steer clear of the cloth buttons. Never have seen that in traditional Highland evening attire.

Slainte,

[macwilkin]

This thread reminds me of the scene in Kidnapped where Alan Breck gave David one of the silver buttons off of his uniform, so in case they were separated, he would have a "calling card" in the Highlands.

T.

[creagdhubh]

this thread reminds me of the scene in kidnapped where alan breck gave david one of the silver buttons off of his uniform, so in case they were separated, he would have a "calling card" in the highlands.

T.

lol!!!!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'd steer clear of the cloth buttons. Never have seen that in traditional Highland evening attire.

Slainte,

Cloth buttons are sometimes favoured by the clergy, but even that is a rare occurrence.

Here's hoping you have real silver buttons!

[D.A. Guertin]

Cloth buttons are an option for day dress, along with stag buttons. Evening wear and formal wear tends to be exclusively silver buttons, unless someone's really showing off and going with gold, but I don't like that look... ;-)

[JSFMACLJR]

Of course one can have buttons made up of all sorts of things. I am reminded of the buttons on Hugh Cameron of Kilwhillie's doublet made of jet with rubies for the eyes of the hounds!