Feather Bonnets

**gasbag** · 14th October 10, 05:32 AM

First off, hi all, has been a while since i visited here. Life gets busy.....

Now i want to know if anyone knows of a reputable place to obtain a feather bonnet? I am trying to get together a piping uniform to wear when requested.
As some people seem to associate the feather bonnet with pipng, i thought that i would try to find one. I ive in Australia and they seem to be few and far between over here as far as buying a new one. I have missed out on a couple in auctions on the net and have been too slow on one other occasion.
Any help you fine folk could give me would be greatly appreciated.

**JerseyLawyer** · 14th October 10, 08:59 AM

I don't know of anywhere in Australia that you can get a feather bonnet, and a quick google search isn't turning up anything. However, if you're willing to order online, you can try here. J. Higgins, Ltd., a US Company, also has them. Also, anyone who supplies L&M Highland Outfitters products (they make some nice sporrans, and you've probably seen them), can probably order you one from them.

Of course, feather bonnets weigh a ton, cost a mint, and are the devil to maintain. They're also only really appropriate if you're going to wear full "Number 1" dress with doublet, plaid, horsehair sporran, spats, etc. That's one of the reasons pipe bands don't really wear this style of uniform anymore (c. 1970, it was /all/ they wore). You're talking a good $3000+ US to outfit one person in full dress. That's a lot of piping gigs for a solo piper.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose!

**Conquest** · 14th October 10, 09:54 AM

Here is the direct source for feather bonnets to the Ministry of Defence. You will save on the retail markup and you can get whatever configuration choices you like!

http://www.jaffefeathers.co.uk/feath...n_1357_443.htm

Regards,
Kevin

**Snowbear** · 14th October 10, 12:53 PM

You can get a feather bonnet for £160 at http://www.edinburghbagpipes.co.uk/

Just watch after it! Some kids nicked 2 of my tails on mine, and there's no replacement to get hold on.

**gasbag** · 15th October 10, 12:09 AM

thanks for the response to my question, i will look into the links as suggested. Will also need to obtain the rest of the dress just one piece at a time....

**rsvpiper** · 15th October 10, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by Conquest

Here is the direct source for feather bonnets to the Ministry of Defence. You will save on the retail markup and you can get whatever configuration choices you like!

http://www.jaffefeathers.co.uk/feath...n_1357_443.htm

Regards,
Kevin

A second for Jaffe from me £170 plus vat for a five tail MOD spec bonnet

**James C** · 15th October 10, 10:37 AM

Feather Bonnets are a tricky item to ship due to customs but on top of that is their shape. Requires a larger than normal box and then factor in value this makes shipping quite high. We supply all the items you are looking for unfortunately as would be the case with any supplier outside of Austrailia the shipping costs will be higher than normal. Feel free to contact us or visit our website for more info.

**OC Richard** · 15th October 10, 05:06 PM

I was lucky enough to get one on Ebay for around $100.

It fits OK and is in very good condition.

You see that sort of thing from time to time, a pipe band getting rid of all their old kit.

Trouble is, the seller rarely lists the size.