Kilmarnock Bonnets

**Jack Daw** · 18th February 08, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

I think it is best to define what type of Kilmarnock bonnet you mean. My article on the hummel bonnet has already been lined to, and we sell those hand knit bonnets through the museum gift shop (they are listed at the bottom of our bonnet page):
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/bonnets.htm

As my article states, the cylendrical hummel bonnet that was adopted by the regiments post 1770 was called a Kilmarnock bonnet. However, that term has been applied to other styles of bonnet in more recent times.

The Kilmarnock bonnet of today really looks much more like a typical Balmoral. See this page for a description and photo.

These types of Kilmarnocks that I have had the pleasure to see and examine in person were basically like a Balmoral but with an additional stiffener in the top of the cap to help maintain a more rigid shape.

The ones pictured on the museum site that I provided the link to seem to have some features that the ones I have seen lacked (such as the odd button decoration on the band). I suspect that, like most other styles of headwear, some variation in style can be expected.

Aye,
Matt

I'm tempted to purchase one from the STM as a period wear element. Did the regiments wear black or navy blue?

**starbkjrus** · 18th February 08, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

I went through it on a train once Dee but I don't think that helps either!

Well it's on the rail line between Dumfries & Glasgow so technically I've been there six times. Didn't get off the train though.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

**BoldHighlander** · 18th February 08, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

I'm tempted to purchase one from the STM as a period wear element. Did the regiments wear black or navy blue?

All the one's I've seen documented for the regiments were a dark (navy) blue.

**Jack Daw** · 18th February 08, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

All the one's I've seen documented for the regiments were a dark (navy) blue.

Thanks, Terry.

**BoldHighlander** · 18th February 08, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

Thanks, Terry.

Your very welcome Steve, glad to be of some help

**orangehaggis** · 19th February 08, 08:15 PM

Check out robertmackie.com. If they don't make them (the sort of Kilmarnocks the Company of Archers' wear), they might be able to point you in the right direction. I, too, want one so please let me know what you find!!

Mark - Ohio

**Warlock** · 19th February 08, 08:24 PM

Looks like the caps worn in the Scottish Rite. They have plenty for sale on evilbay. Removing the Eagle isn't difficult.

**macwilkin** · 19th February 08, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Beuth Sim

Looks like the caps worn in the Scottish Rite. They have plenty for sale on evilbay. Removing the Eagle isn't difficult.

I would disagree. The AASR caps are similar to a pillbox cap worn by British mounted units (the Northwest Mounted Police, for example) and by American army officers during the late 19th century -- in fact, that is where the AASR caps most likely come from.

However, an AASR cap looks nothing like a Kilmarnock/Hummel bonnet.

T.

**macwilkin** · 19th February 08, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

Check out robertmackie.com. If they don't make them (the sort of Kilmarnocks the Company of Archers' wear), they might be able to point you in the right direction. I, too, want one so please let me know what you find!!

Mark - Ohio

Don't forget, Mark, that Matt has a source for them.

T.

**Warlock** · 19th February 08, 08:35 PM

Well, my eyes are not too great,

and I'm not sure if I've ever seen one of those bonnets, but the Gurkha hat does seem to resemble the AASR cap. But that's why I'm a member here, to learn!