1943 RS kilt looks civilian?

[OC Richard]

I don't know what to make of this kilt

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-DA...p2056016.l4276

It has every appearance of an ordinary civilian kilt: tartan in Ancient Colours, pleated to the set, civilian style straps & buckles.

Yet, it bears numerous stamps the likes of which I've only seen on military kilts.

Can anyone guess what sort of kilt this is?

[figheadair]

I don't know what to make of this kilt

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-DA...p2056016.l4276

It has every appearance of an ordinary civilian kilt: tartan in Ancient Colours, pleated to the set, civilian style straps & buckles.

Yet, it bears numerous stamps the likes of which I've only seen on military kilts.

Can anyone guess what sort of kilt this is?

It's not regimental. Two thoughts.

1. It was a private/personal kilt made for someone, likely to be an officer, by the regimental stitch. I've seen things like this before, especially wartime era kilts.

2. It's more recent and the lining has been reused, presumably for the original owner.

[KnittedReenactor]

Any biographical info on M R Fairbairn? Was he actually part of the Royal Scots? I would suggest the liner was reused, but on second thought, it would seem to be a part that wears as much or more than the rest of the kilt on the body.

I agree with you it is odd. "Military" but fringed; Hanger loops; Sporran Loops... Was this possibly modified at some point adding the incongruous features?
I thought the "ancient", "muted" and the rest were more 1950s inventions of mills. Did so-called "ancient" colors come in much earlier?

[imrichmond]

With a 24"-26" waist, as stated in the description, M. R. Fairbairn must have been the smallest soldier in the British army!

[Howling Dingo]

Only thing I can thing of is some kind of wartime economy kilt.

[KnittedReenactor]

24-26" is not that extreme. I routinely see original surplus trousers about that range. Our modern Western Diets and habits don't contribute to such slimness these days. Remember that Britain on the whole was not as properly nourished as they should have been prior to the War. Lord Woolton contributed greatly to correcting the national diet and equalizing availability of quality food.
If you are interested, here is a link to a video series done on the subject of British Rationing during the war. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...k_n9ebj12102sb