balmoral

**macwilkin** · 13th February 07, 06:44 PM

Even among the regiments that wore balmorals, there were always variations. A colour print of a corporal in the 6th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry from the First World War shows the bonnet being worn with the ribbons down. The KOSBs also wore their bonnets in a similar fashion.

Regards,

Todd

**pdcorlis** · 13th February 07, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by mcvarmit

so if my balmoral has tails, its a cheap knock off? now i'm really confused!

slick

Nope - but it is true that if you want a Scottish made quality Balmoral (with or without tails) its going to cost you a pretty penny. Now I've never owned a Balmoral from glengarryhats.com but I do have a Glengarry from them its easily worth the asking price.

**MacWage** · 13th February 07, 07:56 PM

Now that I am being quoted and referenced in what I said earlier . . .

I was stating many (nor all) of the stories I've heard.
I DO NOT believe ANY of them.

The military/civi one has DEFINATE problems, yet one I've heard a number of times. Most of this is by American "arm chair generals."

The last one (what's under the kilt) has a story behind it. I was wearing the green and yellow one, with black grosgrain trim (one of my "prototypes"). I was stopped by a man who said "it is too cold for you to be regimental anyways." I was taken aback and asked what is that supposed to mean and how would he know anyways (I actually WAS regmental that day). He then proceeded to tell me that tied referred to something under the kilt and loose was loose

.

As for loose or tied. The "safest" is tied as it is the most traditional, easiest to "defend" and least "objectionable," as it is what Charles Thompson argues is the "right" way to do it. Many, many, many of "old-timers" among Scottish fanatics, however, LOVE to wear theirs loose.

**Monkey@Arms** · 13th February 07, 10:23 PM

MacWage,

I think it was understood by all that you were only passing on these stories, not that you subscribe to them. Might have to get me some kind of Scottish chapeau some day.

Best regards,

Jake

**Fearnest** · 14th February 07, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by pdcorlis

Nope - but it is true that if you want a Scottish made quality Balmoral (with or without tails) its going to cost you a pretty penny. Now I've never owned a Balmoral from glengarryhats.com but I do have a Glengarry from them its easily worth the asking price.

I have one of their Balmorals... it's a beauty! I'd certainly recommend it.

**Macman** · 14th February 07, 10:44 AM

FWIW, our regimental balmorals had a small stiched khaki bow at the back, while the glengarries had loose ribbons. My Scottish-made balmoral that I bought over thirty years ago has loose ribbons. Now, I prefer them loose, but I think you just can wear them how you like them.

**Warhoover** · 13th February 07, 10:39 PM

If anyone has contacts in the War Museum or any of the Regimental Museums, pose the question to them. I am sure there is documentation of recorded Regimental traditions that may shed some light on it. I am sure if an old Highland Regiment Sergeant Major could be found he could shed some light on it as well.

**macwilkin** · 14th February 07, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by Warhoover

If anyone has contacts in the War Museum or any of the Regimental Museums, pose the question to them. I am sure there is documentation of recorded Regimental traditions that may shed some light on it. I am sure if an old Highland Regiment Sergeant Major could be found he could shed some light on it as well.

See my post above.

T.

**Warhoover** · 14th February 07, 06:27 AM

Sorry Todd, I didn't have the page scrolled up enough to see your post. Still trying to get used to the blasted new bifocals, my first pair and they are driving me nuts!