Alternate Kilt Pin / Brooch Placement

[McMurdo]

Sorry Malcolm
I've updated the photos with the descriptions I have.

[thescot]

Great photos and discussion, guys, no matter on which side of the fence one resides.

It is my limited understanding that kilts pins were (at least for modern purposes and uses) initially used because Queen Victoria wanted to be sure that the Highland regiments' soldiers were completely discreet. No flashing allowed before her majesty.

I like the pins/broaches worn high. As to their "appropriateness," I have no opinion. I just like them fine. But I don't think of them as actual kilt pins, since they tend not to serve quite the same purpose as a blanket pin worn low. At least not quite as effectively.

On the other hand, they look really cool on Robert! And Mr. Brown. And the Duke of Windsor. And the king! Who tend to wear proper blanket pins up high.

Oh, well. Again, go for it. I especially like those rather small, discreet looking round broaches Robert wears. I might try it sometime.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

A couple of observations:

(1) I believe HRH the Duke of Rothsey is wearing his kilt pin according to military regulations-- Other photographs of kilted officers show this same placement.

(2) HRH Prince Henry's kilt pin is placed (approximately) mid way between the top and hem of his kilt.

Now I suspect that pinning the inner and outer aprons of the kilt at the mid point (like Prince Henry) would not necessarily damage the kilt but would keep it from flapping in the breeze in an unbecoming manner.

Looking at a number of pre-WWII photos of civilians, they wear the kilt pin much lower, as do most gentlemen today. While trying to figure out why, I observed that this placement allowed for the wearing of a dirk. Civilians set the top of their kilt pins more-or-less even with the bottom of the dirk, and slightly ahead of the tip of the scabbard to allow the pin to be seen. If not wearing a dirk then a more elaborate pin, often with a cairngorm, or other stone, was worn pinned to the kilt in about the same position the pommel of the dirk would occupy.

As dirk wearing fell from fashion, the kilt pin remained (uselessly, in my opinion) exiled to the bottom corner of the the outer flap of the kilt. My advice to anyone wearing a kilt pin would be to wear a blanket pin, like HRH the Duke of Rothsey, during the day, and for evening wear follow the example of HRH Prince Henry and wear a nicely jeweled pin at pommel height.

[nab2488]

Sorry for asking more newbie questions but say I had something like this form the Scottish trading company. If I wanted to kinda dress up a casual kilt where would I wear it? Would I wear it high or could I wear it down by the lower corner of the front apron?

[Ancienne Alliance]

(2) HRH Prince Henry's kilt pin is placed (approximately) mid way between the top and hem of his kilt.
.

Taking notice of your observation, I lowered my brooches a wee bit, not really half way down though.

I would say they are now placed about 2/3 up from the hem.


Best,

Robert

[Bart_In_A_Kilt]

Maybe it's cause the older guys can't bend over far enough to put a pin down that low on their kilts ?

( ...tounge firmly pressed against inside of cheek ) ;-)

[Bugbear]

All right, I am willing to move my blanket pin up higher. I had been putting it in the lower corner because almost everyone told me to put it there...

As I said before, it makes sense to put it higher. I'll hold off on making this major move until more of the members from Scotland have weighed in... just in case.

[nab2488]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/k...020/index.html

Answered my own question!

[ForresterModern]

I like it, although I think it looks better with a more round or oval badge like pin or brooch than with the typical claymore style longitudinal kilt pin. Besides the pin in the thigh concern, I think I would also be more concerned about snagging it in things as I walk by, like table cloths or other people's clothes in a crowd. Another reason I think the rounder smoother brooch type pins would work better in the higher location.

[Hamish]

Robert, and Rex too,

I am most impressed by your exquisite collection of brooches and the somewhat unorthodox positioning of them on your kilts. You are causing me to think differently about the kilt pins I wear in future!

Many years ago, I did try wearing my regular kilt pins a little higher than is the current norm but ultimately I was not happy about that - it just did not feel right to me - and I returned them to the lower right-hand corner of the aprons. However, the idea of sporting something other than a recognised kilt pin maybe 17" above the bottom of the apron is truly appealing.

I have to ask you, Robert, where do you find such attractive items? Presumably dealers in second-hand or antique jewellery would be a source and I must start looking at their window displays instead of passing them by! Perhaps you have alternative suppliers - I am seriously interested in giving this a try for myself.

Thank you for your superbly inspirational photos.

Take care,
Ham.