Flustering feathers for the State

**Blake Roth** · 25th January 13, 10:09 PM

I know that the topic of feathers in your bonnets is a hot topic, but I thought to ask any road. I have some ruffed grouse feathers (about 20) coming that I intend to use in making a wreath/display for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on my altar. However, I wondered if using the feathers of your State's /Commonwealth's recognized bird would be of any harm to wear in your cockade especially in conjunction to a corresponding badge on the same? At any rate, if yeah, I'll put some aside, if nay then I'll just have to wait to find some ilk of mountain laurel (false or live).
Advice and critique is welcome provided it doesn't spawn worms too numerous for the moderators to handle.
Much Obliged,
Blake

**Chas** · 26th January 13, 04:21 AM

Hi Blake,

Wearing 1, 2, or 3 tall feathers on your hat might cause some to question you. On the other hand, using them in a cockade (which by its nature is smaller and probably rounder), should cause no problems.

Regards

Chas

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 26th January 13, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Hi Blake,

Wearing 1, 2, or 3 tall feathers on your hat might cause some to question you. On the other hand, using them in a cockade (which by its nature is smaller and probably rounder), should cause no problems.

Regards

Chas

Yup. Exactly what Chas has said.

**aonghas** · 1st February 13, 10:09 PM

Please excuse my ignorance but what is a cockade?

**piperdbh** · 2nd February 13, 05:25 PM

As long as they're legally acquired and legally possessed, you should be alright.

**unixken** · 2nd February 13, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by aonghas

Please excuse my ignorance but what is a cockade?

A Cockade is a round assemblage of ribbon or fabric (or both), attached to the side of a hat, or sometimes used like a kilt pin, similar to a rosette.
A quick Google search will show you what they look like Here.

**Blake Roth** · 2nd February 13, 10:04 PM

The feathers have just arrived. They are tail feathers, and run about four inches or a little more. I intend on cutting them down just a bit so as not to go too far above the upper edge of the hat to be on the safe side. Now having the feathers, I've made the order for a crest badge. Now, its just a waiting game untill I can mount the whole together.

**Dale-of-Cedars** · 2nd February 13, 10:54 PM

Um, 4 inches isn't long. In fact 4" is rather short and shouldn't be confused with chief's feathers:

**flairball** · 3rd February 13, 12:38 AM

Ruffed grouse feathers may have never been used this way before. They're not native to Scotland, but very appropriate for use in conjunction with a Pa tartan or cap badge. Ruffed grouse is also a bird that my spaniel and I dedicate a lot of time to each fall, so I'd like to see what you come up with.