interesting Victorian hose

**Tobus** · 7th June 13, 04:57 AM

I was thinking the same thing about his walking stick. Too short to be a cromach, and the size of the head is a little small for that too. Probably just a regular length cane.

It also appears that he's wearing a sgian dubh, which had just started to make its appearance as an accessory around this time. I don't recall seeing any in the MacLeay portraits, anyway. So his dress seems to come from that transition period. What do you figure as the year of this photo? I'd guess 1880s, but could be wrong.

**creagdhubh** · 7th June 13, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I was thinking the same thing about his walking stick. Too short to be a cromach, and the size of the head is a little small for that too. Probably just a regular length cane.

I agree that it is probably just a regular length cane, or possibly a market stick. Perhaps the stick is simply a prop used for the photo. Hmmm....I guess we will never know.

**Jock Scot** · 7th June 13, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

I agree that it is probably just a regular length cane, or possibly a market stick. Perhaps the stick is simply a prop used for the photo. Hmmm....I guess we will never know.

That stick is a prop as it is too short even as a "regular" walking stick, for the person holding it. Although, if you look at the bottom two or three inches it has seen a fair bit of use as the bark gets worn away with regular use, particularly in rough ground.