Modern tartans- historical tartans

[PalmerPirate]

Hello, I'm new to this forum and somewhat new to kilts in a historical context.
I'm considering reenacting as a mid-rank '45 Jacobite. I'm not new to the field of 18th century reenacting, so I already have/can easily obtain most of the things needed for an impression. What I'm curious about is what tartans would be historically appropriate for a Jacobite? Are there any "modern" tartans that would be considered historically appropriate? Once I have one picked, where can I get it?
Sorry if this question has already been answered, I wasn't sure. 'Tis a big forum.
Thanks for reading, any help would be appreciated.

[Brian K]

I can't really help you, but

[Captain_Cogle]

Try Harris Tweed in the UK they have great historically accurate tartans. Another source for you would be William Booth Draper at the Sign of the Unicorn.

Since you are not new to 18th century then you know the basics, earth tones, simple patterns are hard to go wrong with so on and so forth.

Hope this helps.

[figheadair]

There are no modern tartans that were used by the Jacobites but there are tartans in modern use, i.e. today, that have a Jocobite antiquity. The two are not the same thing of course.

However, and this is a big caveat, most modern weavings of old patterns are generally pitiful attempts to render the original setting and colours because the commercial suppliers are only interested in profit and not historical accuracy.

Historically accurate setts will always require a special weave run. You might want to have a look at this thread http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-thread-63376/. I still have some of this in stock. PM me for details if intersted.

[Morris at Heathfield]

Matt Newsome has written an article on this subject. It has a fairly extensive list of tartans that are reputed to have existed before Culloden (with some discussion of how solid the evidence is), although it is by no means a definitive list.

Again, as Peter said, even tartans that can be proven to have existed before Culloden, and are still woven today, have changed in hue, and likely in proportion as well, over the years.

[PalmerPirate]

Thanks for the help gentlemen, I really appreciate it.
Was there any rhyme or reason to the tartan setts that existed in the 18th century? Or were they just spun with the setts just being a matter of personal taste? If this is the case- then couldn't I just use most setts, provided that I found one with period-correct and rank-appropriate colors? Again, thanks for the help.

[Sir William]

Hello, I'm new to this forum and somewhat new to kilts in a historical context.
I'm considering reenacting as a mid-rank '45 Jacobite. I'm not new to the field of 18th century reenacting, so I already have/can easily obtain most of the things needed for an impression. What I'm curious about is what tartans would be historically appropriate for a Jacobite?

I also belong to an 18th century Jacobite living history group and we try to find inexpensive non-descript generic tartans to wear. One of the best compliments I ever received was from a tartan spotter who couldn't place what I was wearing. Don't be afraid to mix tartans either - try to use 2 or more different tartans for your jacket, waistcoat, plaid and hose.

You can invest in a documented early tartan, such as Peter's (figheadair) Culloden tartan, but it will be relatively expensive and consequently you'll be reluctant to do anything that might damage it. At least two people in my group have purchased some of this tartan, but it will probably be reserved for functions where it is unlikely to be easily torn, stained, burned, or otherwise damaged.