Argyll Buttons

[tooltruckguy]

Irish Jackets have round buttons.

[Jack Daw]

Irish Jackets have round buttons.

I knew there was something different about those guys.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Irish Jackets have round buttons.

That's because I designed them so the jackets (originally made by Gaelic Themes) would look less Scottish. Scott Chalmers went to a lot of trouble ( and no little expense) having the buttons especially made.

The buttons on formal jackets tend to be silver (or "white metal" as it is properly termed) and square or diamond shaped because that's pretty much all that's available unless one has buttons custom made.

The "standard" doublet button is a "hand-me-down" from the buttons worn on some military doublets, hence their ready accessibility to tailors and manufacturers.

There is no reason you may not wear round buttons, and they may be of cut steel, silver, gold, faceted jet, or cloth covered. I've seen them all worn on formal highland attire, and they all look equally smart.

I have also seen a set of enameled buttons bearing the crest of the owner-- now that is smart.

But avoid sardines as buttons, unless you are the Duke of Argyll!

[JSFMACLJR]

But avoid sardines as buttons, unless you are the Duke of Argyll!

Tsk, tsk, my friend! You ought to know that Maclean of Duart also wears salmon buttons, just like Argyll!

Duart:


Argyll:

[JSFMACLJR]

I have round buttons that I had made showing my crest. There are photos of these buttons floating around in previous threads.

I have seen many heraldic buttons. Some Stewarts of my ken have buttons shaped like oak leaves. I have seen pine cones, eagles, seals, wolves, castles, even bare-breasted ladies! Hugh Cameron of Kilwhillie, in Sir Compton Mackeanzie's wonderful books, has a double with buttons of jet, in the shape of some Cameron hound, with eyes of ruby!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Tsk, tsk, my friend! You ought to know that Maclean of Duart also wears salmon buttons, just like Argyll!

Duart:


Argyll:

Hmmm... they look awfully like sardines. But I'll take your word for it they are salmon. Thanks for adding to the greater Duart knowledge!

[JSFMACLJR]

Campbell of Airds wrote, in his wonderful article on West Highland Heraldry:
"Even today, the salmon is a Royal Fish and Salmon fishing rights are retained by and dispensed by The Crown
Clearly it is a powerful symbol. To my mind there is a pagan feel to it; I do not think it is the txoua of early Christianity and wonder if it is not a reference to the Old Religion of the Celts, or more accurately, to a person or family connected with it.
On a different note, I have been told by Professor Per Andraesson that although the salmon is a rarity in Norse heraldry he has seen a coin dating back to Jutland in the 8th century which has both a salmon and a galley on it. And even today its use is clearly important to status. When MacCailein Mor goes to the Oban Ball he is clad in a doublet decorated with silver salmon as is Maclean of Duart.

[Spc. Scott]

Argyll:
[/quote]

Now that is one heck of a doublet on my clan chief! I could never pull it off but I have to admit it would be neat to have one just to show it off.

I like that sporran as well.