Significance of these types of clan pins.

[Harold Cannon]

Does anyone know what the purpose of these pins are? They have a heraldic crest in the middle but instead of a buckle and strap there is just a ribbon. I also noticed the the first one seems to have a metalic fether.

[artificer]

Perhaps MoR or one of the other much more knowledgeable members will see this and correct me-

I believe the circlet is for a personal heraldry rather than showing a clan affiliation. The eagle feather cast on represents their status as an armiger.

ith:

[Harold Cannon]

If you look closely though it isn't a complete circlet though. It is a ribbon that is turned back on its self at the bottom. That is what is confusing me.

[ctbuchanan]

You seem to have a point there. All the Chief's and Armigers I've seen have a complete circle with the feathers.

[artificer]

If you look closely though it isn't a complete circlet though. It is a ribbon that is turned back on its self at the bottom. That is what is confusing me.

Well spotted! I just assumed it was a complete circlet. After zooming in on the image I see you're correct.

That's me stumped then.

ith:

[ctbuchanan]

I found this in a different thread which shows a similar badge

"The badge that Cluny is wearing is the badge of Na Dionadairean Clann Mhuirich, "The Guardians of the Clan Macpherson", of which Cluny, myself, and many other members of the Clan Macpherson have earned the right to wear. The badge, and its heraldry, which pertains solely to the Clan Macpherson Association and not to any one individual in particular, has been approved for wear by those clansmen and clanswomen who have been awarded the badge in recognition of their tireless, diligent, and continued support to the Clan Macpherson Museum and House, located in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, as well to all business relevant to the Clan Macpherson Association. The badge is authorized for wear in lieu of an Armiger or Clansman's badge, if the wearer should so choose. I have posted close-up photos of the badge below, as well as two links explaining the Guradian badge in detail."
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rgowrie-60942/

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

At first glance it would appear that the fellow in the picture is wearing a rather unusual cap badge denoting his status as an armiger. However, there are several things about the photo which make me think it might not be what it seems. Generally speaking the feather (or feathers) are centered on the circlet, not off-set as seen above. Likewise, this cockade is in three colours (white, red, and yellow) which is unlikely for livery colours as they are inevitably two colours (the first named metal and colour of the arms). I can't make out the devise in the center of the circlet, although I guess it might be (maybe) the figure of Justice, arms outstretched, an upraised sword in one hand, the other holding balance pans. That said, it could just as easily be the logo of a local Scottish games in Alabama, and the feather indicative of the wearers status as one of the organizers of the games.

Regarding the tiny medal on his lapel, or the (Indian Army?) jump wings on his breast, all I can say is that one shouldn't wear military insignia on civilian attire (other than miniature medals with black tie when appropriate).

[creagdhubh]

I found this in a different thread which shows a similar badge

"The badge that Cluny is wearing is the badge of Na Dionadairean Clann Mhuirich, "The Guardians of the Clan Macpherson", of which Cluny, myself, and many other members of the Clan Macpherson have earned the right to wear. The badge, and its heraldry, which pertains solely to the Clan Macpherson Association and not to any one individual in particular, has been approved for wear by those clansmen and clanswomen who have been awarded the badge in recognition of their tireless, diligent, and continued support to the Clan Macpherson Museum and House, located in Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, as well to all business relevant to the Clan Macpherson Association. The badge is authorized for wear in lieu of an Armiger or Clansman's badge, if the wearer should so choose. I have posted close-up photos of the badge below, as well as two links explaining the Guradian badge in detail."
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rgowrie-60942/

You are correct, as along with our beloved Chief, Cluny, and other Guardians, I am also entitled to wear this badge as a Guardian myself. The link to more information regarding this particular badge can be found above - it contains several threads in which I started on the forum a while back. Cluny has also authorised Guardians to reproduce the center "crest" (which isn't really a crest, as it belongs to no one single, armigerous person, but to all Macphersons who are registered guardians with the Clan Macpherson Association) as silver doublet buttons, sporran cantle badge, sgian dhubh badge, cufflinks, etc, if they so desire. I should also mention that this badge is indeed bespoke, made for the Macpherson clansmen and clanswomen who have been awarded the badge, by a chap on Skye, and is not available for purchase from any sort of Highland wear retailer

[artificer]

At first glance it would appear that the fellow in the picture is wearing a rather unusual cap badge denoting his status as an armiger. However, there are several things about the photo which make me think it might not be what it seems. Generally speaking the feather (or feathers) are centered on the circlet, not off-set as seen above. Likewise, this cockade is in three colours (white, red, and yellow) which is unlikely for livery colours as they are inevitably two colours (the first named metal and colour of the arms). I can't make out the devise in the center of the circlet, although I guess it might be (maybe) the figure of Justice, arms outstretched, an upraised sword in one hand, the other holding balance pans. That said, it could just as easily be the logo of a local Scottish games in Alabama, and the feather indicative of the wearers status as one of the organizers of the games.

Regarding the tiny medal on his lapel, or the (Indian Army?) jump wings on his breast, all I can say is that one shouldn't wear military insignia on civilian attire (other than miniature medals with black tie when appropriate).

When I zoomed in on the image I thought the devise in the center was a bull's head. I don't know if that helps.

ith:

[creagdhubh]

At first glance it would appear that the fellow in the picture is wearing a rather unusual cap badge denoting his status as an armiger. However, there are several things about the photo which make me think it might not be what it seems. Generally speaking the feather (or feathers) are centered on the circlet, not off-set as seen above. Likewise, this cockade is in three colours (white, red, and yellow) which is unlikely for livery colours as they are inevitably two colours (the first named metal and colour of the arms). I can't make out the devise in the center of the circlet, although I guess it might be (maybe) the figure of Justice, arms outstretched, an upraised sword in one hand, the other holding balance pans. That said, it could just as easily be the logo of a local Scottish games in Alabama, and the feather indicative of the wearers status as one of the organizers of the games.

Regarding the tiny medal on his lapel, or the (Indian Army?) jump wings on his breast, all I can say is that one shouldn't wear military insignia on civilian attire (other than miniature medals with black tie when appropriate).

I agree. A very unusual looking badge - you are correct in speaking of the correct manner of positioning the single, metal feather. I have never seen a single feather, denoting armigerous status, positioned in this manner. Hmmm....