Jock's New Balmoral

**macwilkin** · 24th March 10, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Brian K

I'll keep that in mind, Bro., and if I'm having a custom badge made perhaps it might be nice to have it made in the style of a Past master's jewel. It would be different from the usual and the Masonic cap badges I've seen so far have appeared a bit bland. A set of compasses and a quadrant on a sunburst would avoid that, I think

And thanks for the compliment, by the way.

Regards,

Brian

Just an observation: Scottish masons tend to not wear the membership in the craft "on their sleeve" as some American masons do. I know that there are now a plethora of masonic accessories and even tartans, but INMHO, I prefer to wear my ring or perhaps the odd lapel badge, and then only when attending meetings.

I'm not sure a PM's jewel would look good as a bonnet badge. If I remember correctly, the AASR Scottish style cap badges were designed for the Knights of St. Andrew, a group in the AASR that sometimes wears Highland kit as part of a uniform -- although the Scottish Rite really isn't "Scottish" in origin!

But, that's just my opinion. You should do what you wish of course.

T.

**Brian K** · 24th March 10, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Just an observation: Scottish masons tend to not wear the membership in the craft "on their sleeve" as some American masons do. I know that there are now a plethora of masonic accessories and even tartans, but INMHO, I prefer to wear my ring or perhaps the odd lapel badge, and then only when attending meetings.

I'm not sure a PM's jewel would look good as a bonnet badge. If I remember correctly, the AASR Scottish style cap badges were designed for the Knights of St. Andrew, a group in the AASR that sometimes wears Highland kit as part of a uniform -- although the Scottish Rite really isn't "Scottish" in origin!

But, that's just my opinion. You should do what you wish of course.

T.

I appreciate your thoughts, Todd. I am still in the early stages of thinking about this and value all opinions. I know that Masons in the UK are more discreet than those of us on this side of the Pond, but the first Masonic cap badge I saw was on the website of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, I think. It was a strap and buckle surrounding the S&C. I was thinking of something similar with a NY or CA style PM emblem. But I may never actually go through with it. Again, it is a germ of an idea.

Even in Lodge I do not make a huge show of Masonic jewelry. My ring no longer fits me and my favorite lapel pin is one that belonged to my grandfather - it might actually have been my great-grandfather's before him. It's probably close to 100 years old and it is a very plain S&C that is so small people have been known to reach to brush off a bit of lint from my lapel before they were close enough to realize it was a pin.

I'm in no rush for a cap badge, but I do enjoy thinking out loud. Thanks for your input.

Regards,

Brian

**Redshank** · 25th March 10, 02:09 AM

Piperbh - Mackie's confirm that they have enough material and workspace to make you a size 8 1/2 Balmoral

**auld argonian** · 25th March 10, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by Redshank

Piperbh - Mackie's confirm that they have enough material and workspace to make you a size 8 1/2 Balmoral

Though I certainly respect the fact that they might want to keep their process to themselves (keep it "under their hats", so to speak)...it would be way cool if they did a photo journal of the step-by-step on this one of a kind bonnet.

Best

AA

**unaspenser** · 7th April 10, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Though I certainly respect the fact that they might want to keep their process to themselves (keep it "under their hats", so to speak)...it would be way cool if they did a photo journal of the step-by-step on this one of a kind bonnet.

Best

AA

I don't know if they'd be able to do this, but I'd certainly be willing to document the next Balmoral I make. I don't have any orders in for them at the moment, but I do have one for a bonnet that I'd be glad to photograph.

**Redshank** · 7th April 10, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Though I certainly respect the fact that they might want to keep their process to themselves (keep it "under their hats", so to speak)...it would be way cool if they did a photo journal of the step-by-step on this one of a kind bonnet.

Best

AA

Next time I go down to Mackie's I will ask them to show me the making process in steps so I can photograph it and show you how Scotlands last traditional bonnet maker builds them for my customers.

**okiwen** · 7th April 10, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Redshank

Next time I go down to Mackie's I will ask them to show me the making process in steps so I can photograph it and show you how Scotlands last traditional bonnet maker builds them for my customers.

Now, that would be cool.

**Mael Coluim** · 10th April 10, 05:08 PM

Redshank had sent me a Black Watch bonnet made by Mackie. I’ve put it through a thorough jocking!

Before

After

I had to improvise living in suburbia. Used a bucket instead of Highland brook, dripped in the shower stall instead of tree branch in the glen, but I am pleased with the results!