Beards and more beards

[sydnie7]

I'd say that makes it OK for you to put up some girlie calenders!
When she complains, just say "its OK, I don't want you to look like that".


I don't mean to be provocative, But much like the 'wife vs. kilt' issue that pops up from time to time, I'm dismayed and confounded by some of y'all giving control of your facial hair to somebody else.

In my own defense

Bob had a mustache when we first dated (a hundred years ago or so). He was clean-shaven when we met again in this lifetime. I've told him that I prefer him to be clean-shaven. But if he really, truly wanted to "stache up" again, I wouldn't try to say "you can't do that." He might find my opinion being expressed in more subtle ways but you're right, it is his facial hair and I do not control it.

In the same regard, I currently wear my [head of] hair long, and I think he likes it that way. If I thought I might cut it short, I'd run the idea past him and take his preferences into account. But they would not represent 100% of my decision-making process.

As for posting the link to the pictures, I found them interesting and thought others here would too. I've also posted links to pictures of New York City in the early 1900s -- doesn't mean I want to live in NYC!

[/off]

[bigdad1]

I'd say that makes it OK for you to put up some girlie calenders!
When she complains, just say "its OK, I don't want you to look like that".


I don't mean to be provocative, But much like the 'wife vs. kilt' issue that pops up from time to time, I'm dismayed and confounded by some of y'all giving control of your facial hair to somebody else.

It isn't a question of giving control of my facial hair to anyone. She has a right to tell me as her partner (key word there) that she prefers a smooth face next to hers. And, as I love and respect her I maintain that smooth face. I had plenty of beards and goatees and 'stashes in years past and don't need to prove to myself I can grow one. Besides which I have enough gray hair on my head so don't need any more.

[Mike_Oettle]

Ah, Bigdad, but why does she prefer her man clean-shaven?
It seems to be a common failing in women to imagine that beardlessness is a state everyone should be in regardless of gender.
In fact many go so far as to imagine (or desire) their own faces to be entirely hairless.
To hair is human.
And don’t forget the old saying: A kiss without a moustache is like soup without salt.
Regards,
Mike

[Captain_Cogle]

Terry wrote: “I was referencing 18th century facial hair though ”

True enough. But I doubt the British Army had clean-shaven Pioneers in the 18th century, and suddenly reinstated their beards in the 19th.
Regards,
Mike

Im sorry but it is not so. Beards were not permitted in the British Army in any form for any division, rank or specialty troop. Even the "Wild Barbarian" Highlanders kept a clean shaven face through the 18th century.

[Captain_Cogle]

Well, yes & no....troops known as Pioneers in the service of Spain (in paticular) were allowed beards.

I have also seen period art from Alta California during the late 18th century of Spaniards (mostly Soldados de Cueras) sporting trimmed facial hair (mostly goaties as I recall).

I also have read an account from a Hessian Jäger diary (Ewald) describing, during the Southern Campaign, a local Indian chief being fascinated by his jagers/the Hessians "beards", and having to touch them to see if they were real.

So, while beards were not common per say, there were some documented (mainly amongst the Spanish, and some foreign specialty troops). But your correct, in the 18th century it was not the norm.

You also have to consider the context of which the word "Beard" is used in the 18th century. One often finds that the word beard has been used often to describe mustaches and in the most frequent cases 3 days hair growth. Up to 3 days hair growth was permitted among soldiers, and Hessians were expected to keep long mustaches but were not permitted beards.

As for the Spanish I cannot say, I know some Grenadiers were to keep beards in some European Armies in the last quarter of the 18th century and more so in the early 19th century. I know the Spanish Marines, 3rd La Corona Regiment, that landed in Scotland in 1719 were in the habit of keeping a mustache.

But being as here we are primarily dealing with Scots of the 18th century whether they be civilian or soldier or in the Americas beards are DEFINITELY not correct for ANY 18th century Scottish/American Impression. The only beard I have ever seen was a painting of Grant of Lurg who was over 90 years old at the time the painting was made. This should not be taken as the norm in any regard.

[BoldHighlander]

You also have to consider the context of which the word "Beard" is used in the 18th century. One often finds that the word beard has been used often to describe mustaches and in the most frequent cases 3 days hair growth. Up to 3 days hair growth was permitted among soldiers, and Hessians were expected to keep long mustaches but were not permitted beards.

Having had reenacted & extensivley studied the Hessian side (as well as the Soldados de Cueras...to a lesser degree) I'm well aware of this

However, in this case, they had been on campaign & had not yet shaven in many days (more than 3 as I recall)... Incidentally, not all Hessians were permitted moustaches (only grenadiers, some jägers, and dragoons).

But being as here we are primarily dealing with Scots of the 18th century whether they be civilian or soldier or in the Americas beards are DEFINITELY not correct for ANY 18th century Scottish/American Impression.

Agreed!

[BoldHighlander]

As for the Spanish I cannot say, I know some Grenadiers were to keep beards in some European Armies in the last quarter of the 18th century and more so in the early 19th century. I know the Spanish Marines, 3rd La Corona Regiment, that landed in Scotland in 1719 were in the habit of keeping a mustache.

Just one example...detail from a late 18th century (approx 1780) painting of the "Regimiento de Lanceros de media Luna":



Things (like facial hair) were just a wee bit looser in Alta California than it was in Europe

Okay I know...


...so I return y'all to the topic on hand.

[sydnie7]

[snip]
And don’t forget the old saying: A kiss without a moustache is like soup without salt.
Regards,
Mike

Been around that block with and without the other party having a beard and/or mustache. My preferences are based on real-world experience. Are yours?

[Bugbear]

... It seems to be a common failing in women to imagine that beardlessness is a state everyone should be in regardless of gender.
In fact many go so far as to imagine (or desire) their own faces to be entirely hairless.
To hair is human. ...

Been around that block with and without the other party having a beard and/or mustache. My preferences are based on real-world experience. Are yours?

Ah, aint that cute.

[EagleJCS]

A nice little ditty: "If You've Only Got A Moustache" by Stephen Foster.

I've had a moustache since I was 18 (it's been of legal age on its own for a couple of years now). Kind of a family tradition. I have photographic documentation that 5 of the last 6 generations have worn at least a moustache, if not a full beard.