Has any one ever seen one of these in real life?

[Harold Cannon]

I have heard these refered to many times as the beginnings of the clansman buckle and strap in scottish heraldry but I can not seem to find any in existance. Supposedly a chief would give a silver plate medallion that bore his crest to his retainers. This was to be held around the neck by a leather buckle and strap. When it was not in use it was stored flat with the buckle and strap surrounding the crest. Thus was the beginning of the clansman's crest badge.

Does anyone have any images of such a thing. Below is the only one I have ever seen.

[Chas]

Not the same, but similar.



This is a picture of a Thames lighterman. Notice on his left upper arm is his badge. Obviously not worn as part of his working attire, but rather only on high days and holy days in his Guild uniform.

Regards

Chas

[Chas]

Regards

Chas

[ShaunMaxwell]

Harold:

Not sure if it's exactly the same thing, but I remember seeing Jim Maxwell, the president of the U.S. Maxwell Society, wearing something similar at the Salado games a few years ago:

[Harold Cannon]

Thanks folks! Chas I have seen somthing similar to that before for fire brigades.

Shaun that is one impressive chain of office!!!!

[Thomas H]

I have not seen one of these Before, but now that I have seen it on here ,I want one.

So is it something that would be """"Allowed""""" to wear ?

For any reason ? Or should I just move on ....and just wear a clan badge.

Thank You

[Piipriker]

For me, this looks like caricature of a mayor, with an Alonge wig. The badge might be a simplified depiction of a mayor's chain.
Here in Europe the mayors wear at official festivities chains with an assortment of badges, coins or seals.
And the clothing looks to me just like a robe, like that of judges.

[Harold Cannon]

They were usually used for a retainer. Someone who provided a service for the chief, like a herald, artist, or something along those lines. I think it would be nice if a chief had members of his clan who were maybe craftsmen or things of that nature for the clan to give them something like this as recognition of service. Just as a whim I think I may design one for my clan and see how it turns out.

[creagdhubh]

Interesting. To my knowledge, The Clan Macpherson Museum and House in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland does not have one of these, nor any record on file of one ever being given to a Macpherson clansman or clanswoman by Cluny. I wonder if other Highland clan museums (Macdonalds, Camerons, Macleans, for example) have something along the lines of this 'badge?'

Thanks for sharing,

[Harold Cannon]

I do not believe Clan MacMillan does.