Khaki-Brown Balmoral?

**BoldHighlander** · 13th May 10, 12:06 AM

Since I couldn't get a response from Glengarryhats.com about returning the CEF-khaki bonnet for a refund (live & learn ), I'm trading the afore mentioned bonnet with another member for a WPG balmoral.

My goal is still a bespoke Robert Mackie in a khaki-brown w/ black trim & tail ribbons

I thought I'd post a photo of the Glengarryhats bonnet (taken just prior to my getting it ready for mailing). Here it is:

**BoldHighlander** · 13th May 10, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by fluter

Since you expressed interest in my bonnet and piperdbh's here is an update---still work in progress, but getting closer.

I did take some care with the color this time, for your benefit.

Thanks Ken

Originally Posted by fluter

Diane Donald (unaspenser) makes a mean bonnet, too, though she usually has a waiting list.

Actually I have one of Diane's bonnet's (in a blue/woad colour), however the size was a little off so it has to be sent back to be corrected. But it is very nice (I'll post pictures when I get it back)!

Thanks again.

**BoldHighlander** · 20th May 10, 04:59 PM

Okay, here's an update on my quest for a khaki-brown CEF *inspired* balmoral w/ black trim & tail ribbons.

After first being told that they couldn't do it, the House of Labhran has now informed me that they can make one for me for the sum of £62 (aprox $89 US).
In the meantime, Chris has been going above & beyond in working with Robert Mackie to find a Khaki colour that I was happy with. He succeeded & I'm told that said bonnet, because its not a normal stock colour, would cost £75 (aprox $107 US).

While I'm a bit of frugal 'Scot' (i.e. "penny pincher" ) and would normally go for the cheaper priced, I'm more or less swayed by both the Mackie reputation & by Chris' dogged pursuit on my behalf to find the "right" colour.

Its a tough decision , so I ask the rabble, which way would you go?

(...in all fairness I pretty much know the answer, I'm just curious in your thoughts)

**DougC** · 20th May 10, 05:39 PM

Mackie--chances are you will be happier in the long run.

**Seanmhair** · 20th May 10, 05:58 PM

$20 more for the creme de la creme? One time investment in the best

**orangehaggis** · 20th May 10, 10:31 PM

Just a thought... If Robert Mackie is the last bonnet maker in Scotland, and the bonnets shown on the House of Labhran website bear the "made in Scotland" logo, and House of Labhran's supplier is willing to undertake a bespoke order ... then wouldn't it be a safe assumption that Robert Mackie supply House of Labhran?

House of Labhran specialise in Scottish military items, and Robert Mackie is the supplier of bonnets to the MoD.

Mark - Ohio

**BoldHighlander** · 20th May 10, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

Just a thought... If Robert Mackie is the last bonnet maker in Scotland, and the bonnets shown on the House of Labhran website bear the "made in Scotland" logo, and House of Labhran's supplier is willing to undertake a bespoke order ... then wouldn't it be a safe assumption that Robert Mackie supply House of Labhran?

House of Labhran specialise in Scottish military items, and Robert Mackie is the supplier of bonnets to the MoD.

Interesting point Mark.

I'm really not sure who makes them for House of Labhran. All I know is theirs is also "made in Scotland" & their hat person is a woman. Other than that they planned to utilize the khaki wool that is current army issue for berets etc.

If true then this throws a whole new wrinkle into my plans...

Does anyone know if Mackie actually supplies the bonnets carried by the House of Labhran?

**Brian K** · 21st May 10, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

Just a thought... If Robert Mackie is the last bonnet maker in Scotland, and the bonnets shown on the House of Labhran website bear the "made in Scotland" logo, and House of Labhran's supplier is willing to undertake a bespoke order ... then wouldn't it be a safe assumption that Robert Mackie supply House of Labhran?

House of Labhran specialise in Scottish military items, and Robert Mackie is the supplier of bonnets to the MoD.

Mark - Ohio

Is Mackie the last bonnet maker, or the last traditional bonnet maker? The truth could hang on that fine distinction.

Regards,

Brian

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd June 10, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by orangehaggis

Just a thought... If Robert Mackie is the last bonnet maker in Scotland, and the bonnets shown on the House of Labhran website bear the "made in Scotland" logo, and House of Labhran's supplier is willing to undertake a bespoke order ... then wouldn't it be a safe assumption that Robert Mackie supply House of Labhran?

House of Labhran specialise in Scottish military items, and Robert Mackie is the supplier of bonnets to the MoD.

Mark - Ohio

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Interesting point Mark.

I'm really not sure who makes them for House of Labhran. All I know is theirs is also "made in Scotland" & their hat person is a woman. Other than that they planned to utilize the khaki wool that is current army issue for berets etc.

If true then this throws a whole new wrinkle into my plans...

Does anyone know if Mackie actually supplies the bonnets carried by the House of Labhran?

Just found out within the past hour that the bonnets carried by House of Labhran are indeed made by Robert Mackie.

This throws a whole new wrinkle into my plans as they can get the same khaki styled balmoral for $20 less.

I'm a penny-pincher, & funds are very tight, and yet Chris has really bent over backwards in assisting me....

What to do, what to do???

**Redshank** · 2nd June 10, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Just found out within the past hour that the bonnets carried by House of Labhran are indeed made by Robert Mackie.

This throws a whole new wrinkle into my plans as they can get the same khaki styled balmoral for $20 less.

I'm a penny-pincher, & funds are very tight, and yet Chris has really bent over backwards in assisting me....

What to do, what to do???

Just talk to me, in my world nothing is impossible and I wont be beaten