My grandfather's Glengarry

**glenlivet** · 27th June 10, 06:54 AM

I have been gifted my grandfather's Glengarry, which is in remarkably good shape considering its age, well over 60 years, I should guess. He died in 1954. (I have no idea how many times he ever wore it; I never met the man as he'd died before my parents even met.)

It actually fits me pretty well as far as I can tell. The problem is, it still has the old feather in it, which by now is pretty ratty looking and disintegrating.

I've wanted to wear it when I go to games events, partially b/c I inherited the frugality gene, but mostly in his memory.

The problem is, I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove the feather or the badge. The clasp of the badge pin is somehow inaccessible.

Should I just forget about it, keep it as a keepsake, and get my own? I don't want to damage it, even though it's not "worth" anything.

**Woot22** · 27th June 10, 08:01 AM

My personal advice is to find a great place in your home to display it and do that instead. I would not want to risk wearing a family keepsake as they are irreplaceable. Also, that is a great gift you were given and sounds like you are very proud of it so good luck with whatever decision you decide. I am sure your grandfather would just be glad it was given to someone who really cherishes it as you clearly do.

**longhuntr74** · 27th June 10, 08:37 AM

I think the display option is a great one...but I too would be tempted to wear it. Regarding the inaccessibility of the pin, etc...It has to come off somehow...but without being able to look at it, it'd be hard to figure it out myself. You could possibly purchase a similar one and wear a repro of it if you wanted to preserve the original.

**Mike_Oettle** · 27th June 10, 08:47 AM

Hi, Glenlivet – since I have a tam o’shanter that is about 66 years old, I would say your grandfather’s glengarry is still wearable.
But I would look at wearing something newer most of the time.
I persuaded my wife that I needed a new tammie on the strength of the tattered appearance of my old one. But it is really only the lining that is getting tatty.
Its outward appearance has been threadbare for many years (it was because of this that I decided not to hand it back to my regiment). But it does not actually look the worse for wear (aside from the ragged appearance of the tartan flash) when I have it on. I think I will have it dry-cleaned and keep it for a spare.
I am sure that careful examination will reveal how the badge and feather are attached to your glengarry. Possibly the lining conceals the mounting. You may have to unpick the lining to detach them, replace the feather and re-attach.
Regards,
Mike

**Ryan Ross** · 1st July 10, 10:59 AM

First off, make sure that you always treasure this hat. Secondly, if it's still in good shape and you have a mind to, I think you should wear it.

My grandfather and I were very close for my entire life- pretty inseperable for my first 25 years and his last; I was very blessed to know him well... but I digress.

Years and years and years ago, he gave me his M1943 field jacket. He wore that jacket through every major battle in northern Europe, during WWII, and he removed the patches and continued to wear it for working in the yard, after he came home. For a very long time, I would never wear it because I didn't want anything to happen to something that was so important to me. My grandpa passed into the next world last summer, and the following Fall, I ran across his jacket. I couldn't resist slipping it on, if for no other reason than to feel a bit closer to him, even if just for a second. It fit like it was made for me.

After that, I realized that I wanted to wear that jacket, even though it has a good bit of wear at the cuffs and collar. It looks cool and is very comfortable, but much more importantly, it reminds me of my grandpa. So I went from not wearing it at all, to wearing it nearly every time I left the house. I know I'm not going to lose it, and even if it continues to wear a bit, it will still mean as much to me (more, even?) as it always has.

So I say you should wear your grandfather's Glengarry. It will remind you of him, even though you were never able to meet him, and that's a good thing.

**tulloch** · 1st July 10, 11:23 AM

Wear it lad and when it is a little threadbare then cherish it as a relic. Look out for bugs in the feather. Keep looking it over and you will find a clasp or a twisty thing to get the pin off and examine the feather. Congratulations! A photo would be in order here.

**Jack Daw** · 1st July 10, 11:31 AM

Whatever you decide to do, I'd love to see a picture of the old cap. Can you post one?

**glenlivet** · 2nd July 10, 05:47 AM

I will try very soon. Thanks for all the input! I was supposing that, if I did lose it, the highest risk place would be at a Highland Games, but really, how likely is that? If it's as good a fit as I think, it ought to stay on my head pretty snugly. Maybe a big gust of wind, but I'd probably be warned of that by weather conditions immediately preceding, and take measures to protect it.
Of course with things like my snap-on sunglass shades, I'm always losing them...