[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Originally Posted by Probitate

I just might pick one of those up....

Now, how to change my username from the false motto, that's the question.....

Mottos, although linked to specific clans, are not in and of themselves unique to a particular individual. A person is free to adopt any motto they want-- if you like "Probitate" as your motto, fine. No need to change it.

[AFS1970]

Not to stir up trouble here, but if one assumes this site to be a sort of electronic clan, and by extension for Steve to be the Chieftain of that clan, is not wearing this pin a similar symbolic act of allegiance?

AS for wearing badges as decoration, I am sure that is done, but they are primarily worn as a token of heritage, which I would elevate a bit above the concept of a decoration worn for aesthetic purposes.

I know in my case there is no current Chieftain and even the U.S. clan association seems to have died out. So I am not swearing an oath to anyone, when I put it on.

[creagdhubh]

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Probitate, this may make it a bit easier for you -- or much more difficult. First of all, the crest you describe does not belong to the family of Renwick; it belongs to an individual man who matriculated arms with that as a crest. It's as though the crest is a part of his signature. By using it encircled in a belt you are declaring to the world that he is your "superior", as in clan chief or family patriarch. Are you sure you want to do that since you know nothing about him?

The same would be true, of course, if you wore the belted crest of the current Broun/Brown or Montgomery chiefs, but at least you have a better chance of knowing one of these individuals or finding out much more about them.

Awesome point Rex! I hope that you are well my friend. I depart for the Highlands in 6 days. Perhaps a wee nip is in order if you are feeling up to it and are indeed in Badenoch? I'll PM you.

Slainte mhath,

[Mike_Oettle]

As other members have pointed out, KiltedCanadian is in a position that is not uncommon.
The bonnet badge I wear now is my regimental badge, bearing the crest of the Duke of Montrose (Chief of Clan Graham) in a wreath of foliage.
But when my new tammie arrives I will have to make another arrangement.
I could get someone to make a badge of my own crest, or perhaps even learn how to make one myself.
But in the meantime I will have to make do with a generic badge. A St Andrew or an XMarks badge will do fine (XMarks is probably cheaper!).
Behind it I could place a rosette (I am playing with ideas here for a South African rosette), or I may sew a South African flag (appropriately sized) to the side of the bonnet.
Regards,
Mike

[cajunscot]

Originally Posted by Mike_Oettle

As other members have pointed out, KiltedCanadian is in a position that is not uncommon.
The bonnet badge I wear now is my regimental badge, bearing the crest of the Duke of Montrose (Chief of Clan Graham) in a wreath of foliage.
But when my new tammie arrives I will have to make another arrangement.
I could get someone to make a badge of my own crest, or perhaps even learn how to make one myself.
But in the meantime I will have to make do with a generic badge. A St Andrew or an XMarks badge will do fine (XMarks is probably cheaper!).
Behind it I could place a rosette (I am playing with ideas here for a South African rosette), or I may sew a South African flag (appropriately sized) to the side of the bonnet.
Regards,
Mike

Mike,

Gaelic Themes makes a very nice badge with St. Andrew & his cross in a buckle & strap:

http://www.tartanweb.com/shop/highla...cap-badge.html

I have one that I wear on a glengarry for St. Andrew's Society colour parties in local parades.

T.

[Mike_Oettle]

Thanks for the tip, Todd. I might well get that one!
Regards,
Mike

[MacColl]

I had for many years no luck in finding a MacColl clan badge for my balmoral. I had access to images of the badge but no one made or sold them. I had a man named Don Kimble of Atlanta Ga. make one for me. Sterling silver. It has been a few years ago and I don't recall the price, but to me it is priceless. I now own some pewter cap badges but they don't hold a candle to the sterling silver.
www.crestbadges.com
800-891-1674

[Downunder Kilt]

Originally Posted by MacColl

I had for many years no luck in finding a MacColl clan badge for my balmoral. I had access to images of the badge but no one made or sold them. I had a man named Don Kimble of Atlanta Ga. make one for me. Sterling silver. It has been a few years ago and I don't recall the price, but to me it is priceless. I now own some pewter cap badges but they don't hold a candle to the sterling silver.
www.crestbadges.com
800-891-1674

These clan badges are from the same guy that makes them for the STM, and according to the site listed, charges the same price as STM. So if anyone is going to get one, may I suggest you support STM and get it thru them. They are very fine looking badges