Modern vs Ancient?

**416 Rigby** · 17th January 14, 12:19 PM

Thanks, gents.
This is the one I like
ancient mackenzie tartan.jpg

This one is interesting as well. It's the MacKenzie 78th Highlanders from the 1820's evidently.
mackenzie tartan 78th highlanders.jpg

Cool stuff.

**figheadair** · 18th January 14, 02:15 AM

Originally Posted by 416 Rigby

This one is interesting as well. It's the MacKenzie 78th Highlanders from the 1820's evidently.
mackenzie tartan 78th highlanders.jpg

Cool stuff.

Not quite. That looks like MacKenzie from House of Edgar's 'Muted Range'. The 78th of the late 1800 and early 1900s wore Wilsons of Bannockburn's cloth. Wilsons' shades were similar to HOE's but their blue was a truer mid-indigo. Here's an example c1810.

78th - 1810.jpg

**IGA** · 18th January 14, 10:00 AM

I'm surprised no one has suggested this yet, but get both! Or even all 3!

**RockyR** · 18th January 14, 11:28 AM

I did a video on the differences between the color variations if it helps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjiHj6Tsd50

As has been discussed before on the forum, the color palette of the tartan doesn't affect how formal or informal it is. The accessories (what jacket, what sporran, etc) dress a kilt up or down.

**guardsman** · 19th January 14, 12:51 PM

Well McKenzie tartan is military , so easily obtainable in wool , pv or whatever , so get the weathered as best in a tank , my opinion only , cheers

**416 Rigby** · 20th January 14, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the link, Rocky. Lots of informative videos you have there. I'll check them out. So much to learn. Wish I would have started this journey 30 years ago.

**H. Hastings** · 20th January 14, 06:24 PM

You could also drop a note to Steve Ashton at Freedom Kilts. He's just across the strait in Victoria and might have some examples from the various mills on hand you could look at.

**416 Rigby** · 19th January 14, 09:00 PM

Well I'm no expert, I just said it was 78th Highlanders because this was the description of the tartan in the photo from the Clan MacKenzie Society of the UK:
"Authenticated by world renouned tartan & weaving authority, James Scarlett, a fresh Mackenzie tartan has been discovered, reminiscent of the current “Ancient” colouring but with subtle differences. The material has been woven to match the original piece dated from the 1820s. The white stripe originally thought to have been of silk is woven with partly a cashmere interface."
Whatever the origin, it sure is handsome.