Hamish's hat

[macwilkin]

A caubeen does not have the toorie you see on Scottish bonnets. And the military khaki versions you are probably referring to are actually tam-o-shanters, i.e., they have the top sewn to the sides instead of having the entire bonnet in one piece. Ham's balmoral is all one piece. You can even see the grosgrain ribbon head band on Hamsh's bonnet. In addition, I don't think caubeens have a grosgrain headband either.

It may look a little like the military tam because you are seeing the black cockade under his bonnet badge. Some of the regiments used to wear their own tartan under the badge, some didn't. Now, I think, they all wear the government tartan under the new rampant lion badge.

I have sewn a whilte cockade on all my own balmoral bonnets "just 'cause" I think it looks very Scottish, not as any sort of political statement. (I am a citizen of the US, and I am not even entitled to an opinion of other countries' politics.)

Military tam's have no head band; it's wool only against your head.

I wear one of the tams just about all the time in the winter. I like the look of it, and the newer ones have a very small top. The tams from WW II and earlier were quite large, but the new ones are smaller than most berets.

Well, that's enough of that.

Well said, sir. You summed it up quite nicely.

T.

[thescot]

thanks, Cajun.

BTW, Hamish looks quite dashing is his outfit and bonnet.

[Splash_4]

And nice to see the xMarks pin being used for the hat-badge!

[PiobBear]

Irish caubeens are rifle green, constructed of two pieces with a headband, a quilted lining, an internal badge stay, and no torrie or balmoral-like tails. Ranger issue caubeens have a noticably higher peak.


Irish troops in Holland


Pipe Major Tommy Jackson, Royal Irish Rangers

[Riverkilt]

I thought there was a thread about Ham's hat when he first got it. 'cause I went to the Glengary site and ordered up one in light blue to go with my RAF tartan kilt. (yes I know they didn't wear them, wanted something for me.)

Since receiving it I've wondered what to use as a cap badge....I agree the X Marks kilt pin looks great there. Problem solved.

I have one of those pin on clan badges to use on a blazer, but it was nearly larger than the space for a badge...didn't look quite right.

This addiction! You buy one thing and you need something more....buy a cap, need a badge, buy a jacket need a necktie, buy a kilt, need a sporran, buy some hose, need flashes....ain't it great?!

Ron

[SnakeEyes]

Pipe Major Tommy Thompson, Royal Irish Rangers

I really have no reason to be posting in this thread, but I just have to comment on this picture. What a striking fellow! That jacket is great, with the saffron kilt and dark green material on the pipes... just wow, man. for real.

I really haven't seen any good pictures of an Irish kilt get-up, so this is just great. I know it's military, but if I could get my hands on a jacket like that...

Anyhow, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

[Hamish]

Hi Guys! WOW! An entire thread on my headgear. Whatever next? My apologies for not finding it earlier, but I have been away living it up at the Ferintosh Burns weekend in Dumfries, and then dealing with 'matters domestic'.

To answer your questions (in no particular order):

Yes, it is a Balmoral from Glengarry Hats, and it is the WWI Canadian Khaki, which I chose because I felt it was a more versatile colour when it comes to colour co-ordination!

I am not a 'hat person' - usually I cannot bear the things - but, on certain occasions and in certain locations, this one can work ....... although, I still find it uncomfortable. That's down to me, not the hat!! On principle I am not into Military kit at all, but the hat cried out for a badge of some sort and the X Marks kilt pin seemed the obvious answer.

The walking stick? That came from a local Garden Centre here in Sussex!

Now I must start going through the 226 photos taken with my camera at The Ferintosh.......

[arrogcow]

Just ordered one (was waiting for Ham to comment to make sure I was getting the right thing).

Adam

[starbkjrus]

Hamish looks every bit the Laird doesnt he! Sans the feathers of course.
...snip

I knew we should have grabbed one of those birds in the moat and plucked it!

[Ruanaidh]

Now I must start going through the 226 photos taken with my camera at The Ferintosh.......

Oh, goodie. More piccies.