Swords in a non-reenacting situation

[CactusJack]

These are the rules for weapons at the St. Louis Ren Faire..

Weapons:
All Edged weapons must be covered with cloth or a sheath.
All weapons must be zip tied so they cannot be drawn. Twine and leather are not acceptable. Wooden and Plastic swords do not have to be zip tied. Replica Guns are allowed but must be zip tied so they cannot be drawn. NO Real Firearms Allowed!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

It used to be fashionable to wear just about every piece of hardware imaginable with highland dress - sword, pistols, powder horns, dirk and anything else.

This is a form of court dress, and would be worn by a Scottish gentleman attending a levee (being presented at court for the first time). This form of dress was optional, as a gentleman could attend in "ordinary" court dress if wanted. Officers were required to attend in their military uniform, "under arms" (with sword). Judging by the headgear (and what appears to be two eagle feathers) the gentleman in question is either a chieftain or feudal baron. Any comments on the tartan?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Any comments on the tartan?

Looks like Sinclair to me.

About the question of wearing weaponry with Highland attire, in a contemporary context, outside of a formal dirk for certain dress occasions (and the ever-present sgian dubh, of course), I think carrying other types of swords and such is a bit much. You see these guys at the Highland Games armed to the teeth, and in my mind it makes the kilt look like more of a fantasy costume than functional clothing.

[beloitpiper]

Jack, I think the Bristol Faire in Kenosha has the same rules. Phil, that's a good point, I wonder why/when swords became unfashionable with black-tie Highland dress?

[Carolina Kiltman]

Can't answer that, I imagine they began to disappear when swords became ceremonial rather than common weapons. But on occasion I would get an invitation to a formal do, and it would state "Large Medals and Swords" (US Navy)

[slohairt]

Jack, I think the Bristol Faire in Kenosha has the same rules. Phil, that's a good point, I wonder why/when swords became unfashionable with black-tie Highland dress?

The picture that Phil posted is 'white tie' or court dress. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of a sword being worn with black-tie. After all, a baldric and sword would look pretty silly with a Prince Charlie!

I would imagine in rare situations you could get away with a basket-hilt. Maybe your wedding or certain white-tie events. Claymore? No. Matching set of flintlock pistols complete with powder horn? Probably not.

[Dr Mac]

Polar or grizzly, prb?

[Piper]

I'm a reenactor, so I get to lug a lot of hardware around at those events. Outside of a reenactment, though, the only time I've worn more than a sgian dubh was when I piped at the wedding of a friend's son. The bride and groom wanted the full "Jacobite regalia", so I piped them into the reception hall wearing my great kilt,baldric with basket hilted broad sword, dirk, sgian auchlas and a Murdoch pistol hung on the baldric. Immediately following the pictures, all the hardware got locked back in the car, to avoid "bull in the china shop" incidents in the reception hall.

[McMurdo]

I found the following on Wikipedia so take it for what it is, I searched for Royal Court Dress, there was a special section on Scottish Dress, it goes along with what Phil was saying.

Scottish Dress
In 1898, a special dress with sword and dirk was allowed for Chiefs and petty Chiefs as a military uniform at court. By 1908, this was extended to Highland gentlemen, and comprised kilt, sporran, doublet of cloth or velvet, Highland belts, claymore, dirk, long plaid. By 1912, the qualification was absent, and it was to comprise black silk velvet full dress doublet, set of silver celtic or crested buttons, superfine tartan full dress kilt, short trews, tartan stockings, full dress long shoulder plaid, white hair sporran, silver mounted and tassels, dirk with knife and fork, skean dhu (sock knife), patent leather shoulder belt, silver mounted, and waist belt with silver clasp. Silver mounted shoulder brooch, silver gilt pin, lace jabot, one pair buckles for instep of shoes, one pair small ankle buckles for shoes, full dress brogues. Highland claymore. Glengarry or Balmoral, crest or ornament. Cross belt of leather (or metal mounted) for carrying the sword worn over the right shoulder.

By 1937, the shoulder plaid became shoulder plaid or belted plaid. Dress sporran could be hair, fur, or skin, any pattern. Footwear was dress shoes and brogues. Highland Bonnet, feather or feathers if entitled. Highland pistols and powder horn may be worn.

Dress Doublet- of velvet, cloth or tartan. Waistcoat [if doublet is unbuttoned]- velvet, cloth, tartan; dress kilt; dress hose; plaid either shoulder or belted; shoulder brooch for plaid; dress sporran and strap or chain (sealskin, silver furnished top)- can be hair, fur, skin; Highland basket hilted sword, black leather or metal mounted scabbard; skean dhub (dress dirk); kilt pin; jabot, lace (lace, silk, satin or lawn stock); cuffs, lace; Ghillie Brogue shoes (leather uppers, soles and tassels) or Dress shoes (with buckle); Highland Bonnet; belt and buckle (leather and lined); flashes; Highland pistols and powder horn may be worn; gloves are not worn.

[LANCER1562]

I perform at ren fairs throughout Northern Califonia and the rules regarding weapons ie. swords, dirks,knives, etc. state that they must be peace tied unless being used for demonstration or as part of a battle recreation.