1860's kilt photo - opinions requested! Costume or own kilt?

**Chas** · 9th August 13, 05:40 AM

Has the picture been 'flopped' or is your grandfather playing 'wrong-handed' deliberately?

**English Bloke** · 9th August 13, 08:37 AM

It looks like a 'borrowed' kilt worn on a photographers set. It's a poor fit as the pleats seem to edge around on the (wearers) right side and as Jock suggests, the sporran looks mocked up.

Very cool to have though. That's a very OLD picture and gives a special link to one of yours. Goes without saying, but do take care of it.

**TJ Kelley** · 9th August 13, 09:48 AM

This backdrop looks similar to a photo of my GGG Grandmother. My Grandmother told me it was taken in the 1870's at the Illinois state fair in Springfield. She went into detail about wardrobe they had to choose from. My family were simple farmers, yet my GGG was dressed in a long socialite gown w/ elaborate feathered head piece. She looked like a movie star.

If I had to guess, I'd bet this "your photo" was a very similar situation.

**mcavoycem** · 9th August 13, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by TJ Kelley

This backdrop looks similar to a photo of my GGG Grandmother. My Grandmother told me it was taken in the 1870's at the Illinois state fair in Springfield. She went into detail about wardrobe they had to choose from. My family were simple farmers, yet my GGG was dressed in a long socialite gown w/ elaborate feathered head piece. She looked like a movie star.

If I had to guess, I'd bet this "your photo" was a very similar situation.

Would you be willing to share the photo you mention so that I could compare the background to the one of my GG Grandfather? - Colleen

**mcavoycem** · 9th August 13, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

Has the picture been 'flopped' or is your grandfather playing 'wrong-handed' deliberately?

No idea - is there such a thing as playing violin left-handed? I was assuming the photo was reversed but have no way of knowing for sure.

**Downunder Kilt** · 9th August 13, 08:57 PM

My word there are fiddlers and violinists playing molly dooker

**celt72** · 11th August 13, 12:18 AM

He is wearing some interesting hose with horizontal dicing instead of what we usually see. It also looks like he is wearing garter ties to me.

**figheadair** · 11th August 13, 03:50 AM

I'd say that it's deinitely fancy dress of the photgrapher's studio rather than something owned by your family. Relatively few people own a Highland outfit in the 1860s and those that did would have been relatively wealthy. This sort of image was becoming increasingly common as a means of individuals referencing where they came from, especially when leaving Scotland for pastures new.

**TJ Kelley** · 12th August 13, 11:57 AM

I have had my Mother going through old photos for quite some time now. She has "slowly but surly" sent pounds of them to be scan. Unfortunately we are over 1300 miles apart and I know how swiftly she works. I may have the image next week or by newyears... hehehe. As soon as I have something I will post it up and send you a PM.