The original kilt style?

[figheadair]

Good find, Peter! Please tell us more. Is this your photograph of the actual kilt, or did you rather find the photograph? I'm extremely interested in the provenance behind this. Military?

One thing I note is that the box pleats seem to be pleated to the black line on the green, then shift to the double black on the blue about half way through. (There is actually one off-center pleat in the middle).

I note, too, that the top waist band extends beyond the edge of the kilt itself, so I am guessing that it was used as some kind of fastener. That would also explain its presence, as all of the early tailored kilts I have examined have been selvage to selvage.

What are the apron edges like? No fringe? Self-fringe?

I'm very interested in seeing more!

No. no, not a picture but the actual kilt. I don't think it's actually box peated but rather is a loose drape with no evidence of there ever being any pressing/creases.

Wilsons' 'Fine Cloth'; 3 yards x 25". Here are a couple more pics.



Detail of the pleat sewing



And the inside



Front aprom silk rosettes



Top of the same apron. No fringe just a turned end.

The kilt is said to have belonged to the Earl of Sutherland. Given the material I'd guess it's c1800-20. Bob Martin describes it as a transitional style i.e. the change between the unsewn feileadh beag and the sewn kilt.

There's almost no attempt to tailor the material with the exception of where the pleating (gathering) transfers to the apron.



Civilian rather than military I suspect and yes, I think the tape along the top was the fastening.