kilt pin position: Vert. / Horiz.?

**jjoseph** · 4th July 05, 01:19 PM

I see two distinct styles of kilt pins out there for sale: a stylized dirk or grousefoot of some kind, which seem to me should be worn vertically, and a nappy pin with stone or beads hangin from it which look more like they should be worn horizontally (so the pin is across and the stones hang down from it). Do I have that right?

Two concerns: although kilt pins became de rigueur after Q. Vic.'s modesty campaign, they were quickly adopted by men and integrated male symbol... 1) Are the pins w/ stones worn by men or only the dirks and grouse feet? 2) What position is proper for either or both?

I have an OLD silver pin with a stag's head on it. The pin is almost reminiscent of a sword, but the stag's head is offset by 90degrees. If I wear the pin vertically the head will be sideways. Should I wear it so the pin is upright or so the stag's head is upright?

Thanks, Gents.

**Hamish** · 4th July 05, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by jjoseph

I see two distinct styles of kilt pins out there for sale: a stylized dirk or grousefoot of some kind, which seem to me should be worn vertically, and a nappy pin with stone or beads hangin from it which look more like they should be worn horizontally (so the pin is across and the stones hang down from it). Do I have that right?

Well! I have never heard of , nor seen, a kilt pin with stones hanging down from it. Can you provide a link to an illustration of it? In my 55 years or so of kilt wearing, I have ever known only of kilt pins that are worn vertically. Anything else, to my mind, would seem to be a brooch or some other item of jewellery that has been adopted by the wearer in place of a traditional kilt pin.

Two concerns: although kilt pins became de rigueur after Q. Vic.'s modesty campaign, they were quickly adopted by men and integrated male symbol... 1) Are the pins w/ stones worn by men or only the dirks and grouse feet? 2) What position is proper for either or both?

When I was a lad, kilt pins seemed only to be of the large safety-pin type, the Grouse claw or the simple sword. I am sure Clan crest pins and their like have come along only in comparartively recent years. There is no 'correct' position for the kilt pin to be worn, other than it should be in the bottom right-hand corner of the top apron. I wear mine usually about four inches up from the bottom and two/three inches in from the fringe.

I have an OLD silver pin with a stag's head on it. The pin is almost reminiscent of a sword, but the stag's head is offset by 90degrees. If I wear the pin vertically the head will be sideways. Should I wear it so the pin is upright or so the stag's head is upright?

Thanks, Gents.

This sounds to me more like a tie-pin than a kilt pin. I really do not think it would make a good kilt-pin. I would not wear it as such.

**Planopiper** · 5th July 05, 07:36 AM

The nappy-pin thing w/ stones hanging from it is for girls. Teen-age girls that wear all kinds of silly stuff. And it would be fine on their kilt-skirts, I think. I've seen a lot of them on E-Bay. The plain diaper-pin looking thing is a Scottish regimental pin, I think, and is worn vertically. In a quick check, I could not find any documentation for that, but I believe I've seen it worn as part of a military uniform. Personally, I think they're too boring to bother with, even in silver. Most kilt pins, if they're longer than wide, are worn vertically, although I have a silver and amber pin that looks kind of like the top of an Irish cross but is oval and to me looks better horizontal.

**macwilkin** · 5th July 05, 07:44 AM

The plain diaper-pin looking thing is a Scottish regimental pin, I think, and is worn vertically. In a quick check, I could not find any documentation for that, but I believe I've seen it worn as part of a military uniform. Personally, I think they're too boring to bother with, even in silver.

Correct on both accounts in regards to the military-issue kilt pin.

I like them with day attire; one of my friends has a nice one in silver with a Celtic cross & a green stone in the center, which is rather nice.

Cheers,

Todd

**r. m. anderson** · 6th July 05, 05:46 PM

This message is directed to: "HAM"
I think the type of Kilt Pin that is referred to is similiar to an item on Ebay:
RARE VINTAGE STYLE SILVER KILT PIN w ONYX HEART CHARMS Item number: 5009048402.
Go to www.ebay.com and in the search field enter the item #
5009048402. This example shows three loops with jeweled charms hanging
off each of the encrusted loops of the kilt pin. If you enter "kilt pin" in the
search field you will bring up all manner and types of kilt pins. The usual
standard bill of fare and other novelty types as well as very expensive
bejeweled ones such as this example. Hope this illustrates/explains what is
mentioned here!
Regards;
r.m.

**Big Paul** · 6th July 05, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by jjoseph

I have an OLD silver pin with a stag's head on it. The pin is almost reminiscent of a sword, but the stag's head is offset by 90degrees. If I wear the pin vertically the head will be sideways. Should I wear it so the pin is upright or so the stag's head is upright?

I have one as well. Here is a gaudy version of what we have.

Mine is a Claymore and has an antique finish on it and no jewels. It also says "Jesus Prest" on it.

**jjoseph** · 6th July 05, 09:28 PM

My pin is VERY similar (the stag's head may be identical) but mine has a second amethyst where the hilt of your claymore is and a small wire filigree.