Buckles for MOD Buckle Brogues

**orangehaggis** · 9th September 15, 10:49 AM

I'm now the proud owner of a pair of British made unissued ex-army buckle brogues. However, the brogues are sold without buckles. Has anyone suggestions for where I might purchase a set of large and small buckles?

Orangehaggis

**OC Richard** · 14th September 15, 04:19 AM

Wow that's a poser. I regularly follow Highland things (civilian and regimental) on Ebay and I can't recall ever seeing those buckles come up for sale, except when attached to a pair of brogues!

The late lamented Steve McVeigh, Bugpiper on Ebay, would have known where to get them. His passing is a big loss to collectors of Highland military kit.

Have you contacted House of Labhran? It's the sort of thing they might know about.

Or, you could directly contact a military Pipe Major, he might know. They wear them when playing in the Officers Mess, I think.

**orangehaggis** · 14th September 15, 10:18 AM

I agree in re Steve McVeigh. The silver kilt pin I wear most often, and countless other treasures, were purchased from him.

I did contact Labhran, and the answer is 'no'. They do, however, carry sterling silver sham buckles.

I think I'll take your advice, Richard. Thanks for that!

The merchant from which I have purchased the brogues has managed to unearth a pair of large buckles but has been unable to find any of the small.

Orangehaggis

**eagle43172** · 21st September 15, 09:27 AM

About three years ago I bought shoe buckles from J Higgins. Not stirling, but nice looking and a nice price. They were not in the on-line catalogue but I ordered them by phone.
I called about 5 minutes ago and they do have them in stock. If I were home I'd take a picture of mine, but I guess it's worth a call.

**orangehaggis** · 21st September 15, 10:55 AM

Eagle, I'd be surprised if they were the sort of buckles I need. Were they functioning buckles or merely decorative?

Orangehaggis

**OC Richard** · 22nd September 15, 05:40 PM

Yes thanks for the clear photo, that's exactly what I had in mind.

Here are a number of modern Army pipers all wearing that style shoe.

An ex-PM of The Highlanders wearing these shoes. (Note the civilian dirk and the Scots Guards crossbelt buckle/keeper/tip.)

I do wonder when that style was introduced. Here's Pipe Major Evan MacRae of The Cameron Highlanders in the 1950s wearing the ordinary civilian style, with small upper buckle off to the side (which does NOT damage the hose) and nonfunctional decorative buckles at the toes.