Black Watch Tartan 1750's

[Jacques]

Thanks Gerry, that's a good summary of the situation, I would add a couple of caveats/corrections.

William Wilson start his business in 1765 so the firm would not have been involved in supplying cloth to the military c1750. It's likely that more than one firm was involved and that there would have been batch orders, say for a company. It also seems reasonable to assume that the quartermaster would have coordinated the who thing. I also believe that there would have been a standardised set by then, that does not mean that there may not have been variations if, for example, someone had a plaid woven locally or by a family member. The reused plaid in the Speyside Volunteer' s coat may be such an example. As for colours, or more correctly, shades then yes, I agree that they would probably have been in the mid-range. Again, the reused Strthspey Volunteer's piece is a potential guide.

i now understand what you were trying to tell me in post #2 about the lines and colours being recognizable. And it makes perfect sense if individual Regimental QM's were dealing with different weavers this would have resulted in minor(?) variations to the sett and shades of the tartan, especially from 1725(?) until 1765. And if the Strathspey Tartan waistcoat is any indication, the shades of the BW kilt would have been much lighter, brighter shade of colours than what is in use today. All this new information makes me wonder why the colours/shades have changed as much as they have over the years, except maybe just because of time itself.

Thank-you Peter, and Gerry for all the additional information and references. It seems i have some reading to do. But what a wonderful way to pass a Sunday.

Thanks much

Jacques