Balmoral (Atholl) bonnet / black chequered dicing / 1960 British War Department

[LaidlawBell]

Evening all.

I was hoping that someone could help shed light on the Balmoral bonnet for me.

It is black in colour with black chequered dicing detail, double ribbon at rear and a 'Torrie' (pom-pon / pom-pom) at crown. There are also two small holes to the outer band where I assume a badge would have been attached.

The inside lining is stamped '7' (size) and a possible makers name or owner - sadly this has been rubbed and I'm only able to make out a few letters.

On the inside seam I have noticed the follow ' X W D /|\ ' - Standing for 'War Department' /with broad arrow stamp. (A United Kingdom government department responsible for the supply of equipment to the armed forces of the United Kingdom and the pursuance of military activity).

Directly underneath this you will see numbers 22 - It looks as though there may have been a letter or number in front of this.
Possibly the letter N ( N 22) - or 1922 - Being a possible date of pattern ? - To be confirmed.

Firstly I would like to know the correct terminology with regards to the style. As I've seen this advertised as a Balmoral bonnet & Atholl bonnet.

With regards to the black chequered dicing (Sillitoe Tartan). I understand that this was issued to the Police Force. I also understand that the Glengarry style was also issued , although I'm unable to find an example with the Balmoral bonnet.

A recent search led me to 'The Lovat Scouts' (British Army) ... Perhaps I am getting warmer by the minute.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

All the best. Gillan Bell

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