Vintage store jackpot

[Nathan]

More of a neighbor than a cousin. The 'A' in my user name is for Allen, which is a sept of Clanranald.

Well actually, the Clanranald Allens are completely MacDonalds. The Gaelic name of Clanranald is Mac Mhic Ailein (son of the descendant of Allen). The reason is because although Clanranald and the MacDonalds of Glengarry are both descended from Ranald, the 4th great-grandson of Somerled, the MacDonalds of Clanranald descend from Ranald's older son Allen and the MacDonells of Glengarry descend from his younger son Donald.

That's why some MacDonalds of Clanranald use the surname "Allen or Allan". Sept implies a family that lived under MacDonald protection but the Allens from the Western Highlands, like the Donaldsons, MacRanalds, Reynolds, Ronalds, Randalls, MacConnells, the MacIains, McCains etc... are every bit MacDonald.

I'm glad you like my vintage store finds, cousin!

[creagdhubh]

Thanks for the clarification Kyle, I never looked into that far.

No worries, Glen! I only know this, because some time ago I had inquired about having Cairngorm doublet buttons made.

[English Bloke]

Very nice bunch of acquisitions Nathan... The Kilt and pin are particularly dazzling. Most fortuitous if I may be so bold.

[Jack Daw]

What an excellent find! It looks good!

[ASinclair]

That's a handsome kilt (I'm partial to the old colors) and had at such a bargain. Congratulations Nathan.

[SeumasA]

Thanks Nathan. I learned something today. I knew that Clanranald and Glengarry were both descended from Ranald. I didn't know that Clanranald came through his son Ailein/Allen.

Edited to add: I guess that would explain why the closest genetic matches on my Y-dna are a group of MacDonalds in Scotland.

[Nathan]

So I stopped into Kensington Market for some groceries today and decided to pop into a couple of my favourite vintage shops. These were today's treasures.

I'm most excited about this horn handled cromack. I've been looking for one of these for quite some time and haven't been able to find a horn handled one in my price range. The cost of shipping a long staff from the UK is prohibitive and vendors don't like to ship the tops due to customs concerns. This looks exactly how I'd like it to and I got it for a very reasonable $80CAD.


These kilt pins are very high quality. The celtic brooch style pin is silver. These were $20 and $25 respectively at different shops.


I got this Irish made Aran knit jumper/sweater for $20. It's too hot now, but winter always returns.


Not a bad haul for the day! I spent more than I was planning to but I think I got great value.

I also picked up this plaid brooch for $5 last week at a Salvation Army Thrift store. I don't own a plaid but for that price, I couldn't pass it up.

[SeumasA]

Some great finds Nathan. I'm really jealous; we don't have anything like your vintage stores around here.

[ASinclair]

What SeumasA said.

[CMcG]

Good ol' Kensington Market, eh?