Alternate Kilt Pin / Brooch Placement

**nab2488** · 21st February 09, 06:09 AM

As I am still new to kilts. What is the difference in pins and brooches? Are they an interchangeable either or thing and usually are located in the same place? Or can they be worn at the same time in 2 locations? I don't have any kilt pin or brooch yet so I would like to know when I do get one.

**Malcolm MacWilliam** · 21st February 09, 06:26 AM

I think it's a great look! in 18th century kilting, there is no kilt pin, so I"ve never worn one until the last year when I started to put together a modern kilt kit (thanks to X Marks the Scot getting me interested in it). I only have one pin I use, actually picked it up at a yard sale.....it's a sceptor with a crown at the top, although I have other pins, etc. I could wear. I really like the idea of the pin or broach up higher on the kilt. And Robert!!! THANKS for the fashion show.....WOW, great outfits!
And, I'll probably show my ignorance here. Who is Henry in the photo?

Malcolm MacWm., 42nd RHR GrenCoy, ASM British Brigade

**McMurdo** · 21st February 09, 06:26 AM

I thought I'd post this picture here as it shows that it need not be a brooch, even the blanket pin can be worn high.

**Bugbear** · 21st February 09, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I thought I'd post this picture here as it shows that it need not be a brooch, even the blanket pin can be worn high. ...

It might make sense to put the blanket pin higher. In some other thread it was being discussed that the blanket pin as kilt pin started as a practical item. Perhaps having it within reach of your hand without having to lean over or pick up the apron would be handy.

**Rex_Tremende** · 21st February 09, 06:30 AM

I tend to think of all brooches as pins, but not all pins are brooches, depending on their size, shape and function. In highland attire, a brooch might be used to secure a plaid, but would probably rarely be worn below the shoulder. The kilt pin is usually attached on the lower corner of the outside apron, ostensibly for weighting it down, but really just for show.

Any bit of costume jewelry that is attached to clothing with a pin and clasp can be considered a brooch. Fellers tend to eschew anything that is too terribly ornate. Slim, elongated, and lightweight - might make a good kilt pin. Heavy, chunky, and compact or round - probably a brooch. A brooch worn on the lapel or shoulder is a brooch. Move it down onto the kilt, and you've got a kilt pin, unless it is huge and meant for a plaid - and then you've got a injury waiting to happen.

Regards,
Rex.

**Rex_Tremende** · 21st February 09, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by Malcolm MacWilliam

Who is Henry in the photo?

That's HRH Henry of Battenburg, son-in-law to Queen Victoria, and my newest kilted idol.

(And check out the wall of fame behind Robert!)

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I thought I'd post this picture here as it shows that it need not be a brooch, even the blanket pin can be worn high.

Thanks for finding that and posting it here, Glen.

Regards,
Rex.

**Malcolm MacWilliam** · 21st February 09, 06:48 AM

Aye, I saw the photos behind Robert. To use an overused phrase, awesome! Henry of Battenberg. I know there was a Battenberg who had an "affair" with Lily Langtry (again, I should know this stuff, being a Royalophile!), but it's not the same one, right? (Ok, to wikipedia!). Malcolm

**Malcolm MacWilliam** · 21st February 09, 07:12 AM

I'll answer some of my own question! I'm thinking of Louis of Battenberg, the Langtry connection. Were Henry and Louis related...most likely, huh? Louis married grand daughter of Victoria and Henry married daughter?? (Time to get the Royal genealogy out!) Malcolm

**McMurdo** · 21st February 09, 07:21 AM

I would have to say there is historical precedent for it here are some more examples

George, Duke of Kent (1902 - 1942), (left) with his mother, Queen Mary (1867 - 1953), Elizabeth, Duchess of York (1900 - 2002) and George, Duke of York (1895 - 1952) at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, purchased Balmoral Castle in 1846, and the small castle which stood in the 7,000 hectare wooded estate was redeveloped in the 1850s. The granite building was designed by Aberdeen architect William Smith with suggestions from Albert himself, who decided the interior decoration should represent a Highland shooting box with tartan or thistle chintzes, and walls decorated with trophies and weapons. Queen Victoria often visited the Highlands with her family, especially after Albert?s death in 1861, and Balmoral is still a popular retreat for the present royal family. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

2nd September 1935: A royal gathering at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire on the occasion of the Duke of Gloucester's engagement to Lady Alice. Original Publication: From left to right, the Duchess of Buccleuch, King George V, Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester and Queen Mary. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, purchased Balmoral Castle in 1846, and the small castle which stood in the 7,000 hectare wooded estate was redeveloped in the 1850s. The granite building was designed by Aberdeen architect William Smith with suggestions from Albert himself who decided the interior decoration should represent a Highland shooting box with tartan or thistle chintzes, and walls decorated with trophies and weapons. Queen Victoria often visited the Highlands with her family, especially after Albertfs death in 1861, and Balmoral is still a popular retreat for the present royal family. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)