Highland unit uniforms

[figheadair]

As far as I know the 42nd regiment wore the Govt. sett during both the 7 Years War & the American Revolution. However, there was also the 78th regiment (Fraser Highlanders) which I have read wore the Govt. sett & also a variation of the Fraser Old sett during the French & Indian War. It wouldn't hurt to check out some of the websites of living history groups that portray the time period(s) that you want to do. Believe me, as a former living historian myself, these guys are a fountain of info & usually have links to their various approved vendors.

Zach Caselman

There is a great deal of controversy over what was worn by the original 78th and the fact is, we just don’t know. The traditional dye used for red in tartan, cochineal, was a very expensive. For that reason alone I don’t believe that the regiment would have been clothed in a red tartan and that a blue, green and black type sett, possibly the Government sett, decorated or plain was probably worn.

[ozarkjacobite]

Yep, Loyalist Arms is what I meant, lol.

[Woodsheal]

Talk to these guys, who do both periods;

http://musketsofthecrown.homestead.com/Home.html

Or contact "Malcolm MacWilliam" a member here (and a member of that unit)....

[Sir William]

There is a great deal of controversy over what was worn by the original 78th and the fact is, we just don’t know. The traditional dye used for red in tartan, cochineal, was a very expensive. For that reason alone I don’t believe that the regiment would have been clothed in a red tartan and that a blue, green and black type sett, possibly the Government sett, decorated or plain was probably worn.

I've been following this topic for years and agree that the 78th probably wore either the government sett or something similar to it. Plus, figheadair has probably forgotten more about tartan than I will ever know so I bow to his greater knowledge on the subject.

I was once a member of the 78th in California and we wore the Fraser tartan in ancient colors (the general belief being the Fraser's would have worn the "clan" tartan and that the "ancient" colors were more correct for the 18th century - but that is another topic). I never felt this tartan was correct and always questioned it, however the unit was under the sanction of Lord Lovat and that is what he approved (or so I was told). When I left the unit I sold my plaid back to them (everyone else wore a modern kilt) as I didn't see me wearing it again, at least for reenactment purposes.

I'd like to make a new coat. Does anyone have a pattern source?