Vintage kilt/fabric restoration

[Standard]

What a great find. I certainly hope that you are able to save the kilt. Please keep us posted as to the sucess of your cleaning, etc.

[Woodsheal]

It looks like it has a raw edge at the top. Could this be a kilt some reenactor made for himself, perhaps for a Revolutionary War highland uniform...?

[figheadair]

It looks like it has a raw edge at the top. Could this be a kilt some reenactor made for himself, perhaps for a Revolutionary War highland uniform...?

No, this is a military Black Watch kilt with barrel pleating which probably dates it to c1930-50. Clearly the original green baize has been removed from the top (raw) edge. Bob Martin is probably the best bet to ask about cleaning it. He will also be able to confirm the date.

[ggibby]

Much appreciation to everyone chiming in on this.

I just added new photos to the album now that I have the thing in hand. See them here .
I had to knock the image quality down for uploading, and the texture of the cloth makes it difficult to capture the colors well.

Just in handling (Vermont-Houston-Key West-New Orleans), the mildew is much less noticeable.

Also notable is the lack of hardware or even evidence there ever was any, and check out the lining- ouch!

[acolander]

After reviewing your photos definately military box pleats as worn by the Argyll & Sutherland Hldrs.. and though hard to be 100% certain from just the photos, not too mention age.. it would also appear to be the lighter shade of the Government/BW Tartan as worn by the Argylls, Tartan 1A, which is also a slightly larger sett than BW.

The off-white blanket wool for the lining was standard for military kilts up until the recent amalgamation and formation of the R Regt of Scotland, with black twill now used for the new RRS kilts. Your kilt also appears to be missing the standard green trim along the top.. from the pics it almost appears as if someone may have removed it to perhaps shorten the kilt from the top (hard to hem 22-24oz wool).. and the white lining looks like it has perhaps been sewn over the top in lieu of the ususal green trim...??

As to age.. you mention the label appears to have a date of 1930 but hard to make out due the tear.. that would be in the right era judging by the pics, definately pre-WWII by the looks I would say.. but it could possibly be older since the date is apparently hard to make out and it just looks like 1930..

The label looks like it may be paper of some sort..?? Which is something that one usually sees on British military uniforms ca late Victorian to 1930's or thereabouts.. The lack of any hardware appearing to have never been attached even may also indicate an earlier date as I believe by post-WWI kilts were no longer being secured w/ pins only and were being made w/ 1-2 fastening straps on the outside apron only.. the inner apron being held in place by the secured outter, or pin if deemed necessary..

Well that's my tuppence for what it's worth.. But definately a kilt of the A&SH I'd wager, ca. early 20th Centruy...

Nice find and best of luck should you decide to restore/repair.

[ggibby]

Thank you acolander!

Never even occurred to me it could be a 'pre-strap' kilt. Pin-only fastening? Fascinating.

The label is paper and attached with adhesive.
Just added some macro photos to the gallery.
I think it reads '1918.' See what you think.

I've contacted a good friend of mine with professional photographic skills,
and will update the gallery in hopes of better capturing the colors, et cetera

Moran taing!

[Downunder Kilt]

Looks like you have just aquired a unknown piece of family history. The date in your your new photo does look to be 1918 or even 1916 (through my tired old eyes anyway) Hope you can have it restored and find something out regarding its history. Good luck with your project.