Silver versus cloth buttons

[Cygnus]

It sure would! You could also keep the cloth covered buttons, if you like. I have mother-of-pearl waistcoat buttons that I have been known to use with my white waistcoat I wear with the kilt.

You could but, as Sandy has pointed out, it's hardly necessary. The buttons on my white waistcoat are gold, and about 125 years old. A gentleman has better things to concern himself with than the buttons on his waistcoat.

In that case, I'll probably keep it as is so it can continue to serve a dual purpose.

Thank you very much for your quick and well-informed responses!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

On a related note...

I have a white Marcella waistcoat and it has cloth-covered buttons. If I were to repurpose this waistcoat for use with highland attire, would it be appropriate to replace the buttons so they match my jacket?

You could but, as Sandy has pointed out, it's hardly necessary. The buttons on my white waistcoat are gold, and about 125 years old. A gentleman has better things to concern himself with than the buttons on his waistcoat.

[ForresterModern]

Would it be appropriate to replace the round harp themed metal buttons of a dress Brian Boru jacket (called a Holyrood by St Kilda) with the square metal buttons more typically seen on a scottish Argyll or PC, or would that be mixing the two heritages in an incongrous way? To the best of my knowledge (still looking) I do not have any Irish blood relations to warrant the irish connection of the BB jacket but like its cut as an option to the standard PC and dressier than the Argyll, but would rather maintain the square button scottish themed appearence.

jeff

[davidlpope]

Would it be appropriate to replace the round harp themed metal buttons of a dress Brian Boru jacket (called a Holyrood by St Kilda) with the square metal buttons more typically seen on a scottish Argyll or PC, or would that be mixing the two heritages in an incongrous way?

Without trying to be controversial here, the "Brian Boru/ Holyrood" is simply a Scottish Prince Charlie Coatee that has been modified in minor ways as a marketing strategy for those who want to wear "Irish" kilts. Since this jacket doesn't have any historical pedigree to begin with (indeed, the whole phenomenon of Irish kilt-wearing, itself, seems to me to be a "manufactured" tradition of the twentieth-century Irish Nationalist movement), there's really no "heritage"-mixing to worry about. Wear whatever buttons tickle your fancy.

To the best of my knowledge (still looking) I do not have any Irish blood relations to warrant the irish connection of the BB jacket but like its cut as an option to the standard PC and dressier than the Argyll, but would rather maintain the square button scottish themed appearence.

I don't see this as an issue. Even native Irishmen don't really have a "connection" to the "BB" jacket. If you like the regular diamond buttons, replace them. It's really just a modified Scottish jacket in the first place!

David

[longhuntr74]

Interesting thoughts on cloth buttons...I knew that the square thistle buttons seemed to be predominant in highland formal wear, but I guess I somewhat assumed this to be a by-product of the "kilt for hire" industry. I am definitely looking to shy away from the plain old square thistle buttons when I make my doublet/coatee. I was considering cloth based on one photo I've seen...but from what I read here, that really may not be appropriate for formal wear. I'm guessing my reference might be one of those cases of "daywear" that you allude to.

[creagdhubh]

Interesting thoughts on cloth buttons...I knew that the square thistle buttons seemed to be predominant in highland formal wear, but I guess I somewhat assumed this to be a by-product of the "kilt for hire" industry. I am definitely looking to shy away from the plain old square thistle buttons when I make my doublet/coatee. I was considering cloth based on one photo I've seen...but from what I read here, that really may not be appropriate for formal wear. I'm guessing my reference might be one of those cases of "daywear" that you allude to.

I have seen this photo many times. I absolutely adore Farquharson of Invercauld's Scottish Wildcat sporran! I had the opportunity to purchase one that dated from the 1920's from a fellow Macpherson clansman (see photo below of the late John Stuart Macpherson of Blackburn-good mate of mine-with his head-on wildcat sporran), yet did not have the appropriate funds at the time and he later sold it! Darn! I am continually on the lookout for one-House of Labhrann had one a few years ago, but sold quick! I understand that I would have to be careful wearing it whilst in Scotland, due to the relatively recent sporran license issue regarding particular species of animals that are protected in Scotland. I'd have to apply for a license there I am sure!

My good friend and fellow Macpherson clansman and armiger, the late John Stuart Macpherson of Blackburn. Note his gorgeous, head-on Scottish Wildcat sporran.

[creagdhubh]

Thanks to a suggestion from Scott (MacMillan of Rathdown), I have found the website of a wonderful establishment in Paris that has been in business since 1825 named, Agry Graveur-Heraldiste, Chevalières Armoriées 75-78-92, that creates bespoke buttons, brooches, and other personal items in different metals. Their work looks extremely well made and very unique to say the least. Below is a link to the section of their spectacular website showing various bespoke buttons and brooches, which may be of particular interest to many of you. What a fine place to submit my query regarding bespoke buttons made in my own crest, a rampant Scottish Wildcat holding a dagger.

http://chevalieres-armoriees-armoiri...fr/boutons.htm

[Jock Scot]

You won't go wrong there laddie.

[creagdhubh]

You won't go wrong there laddie.

Thanks Jock. I have already sent them an e-mail with a brief synopsis of what I am looking to have done.

Cheers,

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

As Jock has said... "you won't go wrong there"... you might go broke, but you certainly won't go wrong!