time period kilt

[james Hurst]

Greetings, I'm trying to make a 1745 timeperiod kilt. I'm a reinactor portraying a scot who was deported to the americas after the jackobite rebelion and would like to do things the right way. I've read that the "little kilts" of the period where nothing more than gaterd and stiched half great kilts. Any truth in this? Also anyother clothing and equipment that a scot would have in the americas.

James Hurst

[Woodsheal]

Jim,
There is some debate on the actual nature of the early "little kilts." Some say they were hand-pleated and belted on like a full-width plaid each time. Others say that the pleats were stitched into place at the top. Or, it possibly had a drawstring. Your choice on which way to go, basically.

My `45 philabegs have loose, unpressed box pleats tacked into place with a few stitches at the waist band level, and are closed with buttons, and loops of fabric. My interpretation! I might try a drawstring style next.

As for N. America, highlanders quickly learned that their bare legs were not such a great idea in New World underbrush! Indian-style leggings or full-length gaiters were adopted for wear under the kilt....

[macwilkin]

James,

See if your local bookstore carries or can order for you:

"18th Century Highlanders" by Stuart Reid (Osprey Publications) -- there's a fair bit of information about Highlanders in North America in this book.

Reid also wrote another Osprey book in the Warrior series, "Highland Clansmen, 1789-1746", and "Highlander: Fearless Celtic Warriors" from Military Illustrated.

Also check your local library, as they may be able to interlibrary loan them for you.

Brian, I know you have more titles to suggest...let's get a list going...

Regards,

Todd

[AllenJ]

here is everything you need to know for your JaCobite ;) kit.

http://members.tripod.com/clan_donna...mpression.html

and in my humble opinion I'd try to avoid any books by Stuart Reid...the man is a racist and a bigot.

[MacWage]

here is everything you need to know for your JaCobite ;) kit.

http://members.tripod.com/clan_donna...mpression.html

and in my humble opinion I'd try to avoid any books by Stuart Reid...the man is a racist and a bigot.

Just a note:
That link is to our own Woodsheal who responded above.

[Woodsheal]

and in my humble opinion I'd try to avoid any books by Stuart Reid...the man is a racist and a bigot.

I don't know if I'd go that far, though I too have problems with Mr Reid. He's a tireless researcher, but many of his conclusions are dubious... or downright farfetched! (And as much as he has an interest in the topic, he betrays a certain contempt for highlanders at times.)

His above-mentioned books do have value, though, for the raw information included and great illustrations. Just take some of his conclusions and sweeping statements with a healthy dose of salt...!

[macwilkin]

here is everything you need to know for your JaCobite ;) kit.

http://members.tripod.com/clan_donna...mpression.html

and in my humble opinion I'd try to avoid any books by Stuart Reid...the man is a racist and a bigot.

Those are pretty harsh words; What are you basing this charge on? Not trying to challenge you here, but I'd like to know your reasons.

T.

[MacWage]

For the price, Osprey books seem to be very good resources. I have a decent collection of them (including all the ones on this thread, the ones on pirates, and more). The value of the commentary is usually dependant upon the author, though Osprey is usually quite good at who the pick to write them.
I know little about Reid, though Angus Kontam (who wrote 4 of the pirate books) is a well known writer on the topic. The same is for Stephen Turnbull, who writes most of the samauri ones.

As a general rule, Osprey are referenced and used as a "quick reminder" by a huge number of scholars I have met. If I ever am curious about an era, period, or topic I don't know a lot about, Osprey's are usually some of the first ones I look for as an initial overview source. They provide good overview (which helps understand more detailed sources) and usually contain many primary sources in the illustrations.

For your purposes, I'd look to Osprey ones, as well as our own Matt Newsome:
http://albanach.org/evolution_pt2.htm
and his other articles.

[Deasan]

History of Highland Dress by John Telfer Dunbar
Old Irish & Highland Dress by H.F McClintok

Both represent classic studies on the subject and are well worth reading.

For info on the proper gear, to go with your garb, you will enjoy also
Culloden:The Swords and the Sorrows and ...
Ancient Scottish Weapons by James Drummond

Peter MacDonald in Creiff does great handloom weaving and my friend Donnie Shearer (The Mad piper) makes fantastic reproduction swords.

Le deagh dhurachd,
Deasan

[MacWage]

and in my humble opinion I'd try to avoid any books by Stuart Reid...the man is a racist and a bigot.

Also, for such a strong statement, please give some reasons, rationale, source, experiece, or the like for support. If you do, we/I am much more likely to believe it or take it with a grain of salt. If true, it should be easy to support.