The Single Eagle Feather

**Jock Scot** · 16th August 13, 04:32 AM

Originally Posted by BBNC

A very interesting discussion. I'm a fishing fly tier and have resisted the temptation many times to take feathers from road kills, knowing that if found out, I could be in trouble. But if I may go slightly off track for a bit...I understand the use of eagle feathers to mark a leader's physical position or rank, on the field, but what about the wearing of small decorative body or hackle feathers under one's badge for a bit of color? I've seen pictures of such use.

There is nothing to stop you using a bunch of small and legal feathers in that manner. However I think care and descretion is required as it is easy to overdo these things.

**BBNC** · 16th August 13, 04:57 AM

Jock,
Yeah, I agree about not overdoing these things. I have hackles and turkey body feathers in all colors. Oh wait, I just remembered, I also have a few Scarlet Maccaw tail feathers...a nice blue and about 18" long. THAT would stir up some excitement at the next Highland games, LOL!

**David Thorpe** · 16th August 13, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by WVHighlander

...COSCA... ...suggested that State Commissioners wear one, if in their state, national commissioners wear two...

This suggestion flies in the face of both Scottish tradition and US law. The irony is palpable.

I am both a comissioner and an armiger (albeit not from Scotland yet, but supported/recognized by my chief) and haven't worn a feather yet.

My circumstance as well (although I have no intention of ever petitioning the Lyon Court). I would not wear a feather unless directed to do so by my Chief - which is highly unlikely.

**David Thorpe** · 16th August 13, 05:03 AM

Originally Posted by BBNC

...what about the wearing of small decorative body or hackle feathers under one's badge for a bit of color?

Satin or grosgrain ribbon is a much less controversial choice of material.

**creagdhubh** · 16th August 13, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Hawk

42USC1996 and all supplements......

When it comes to my People's religion/traditions all the governments "rules & laws" are a moot point.....

Now, lets return to the discussion as it was ment to be, as it pertains to Clans and Highlander ways.....

Hawk

Well said.

**creagdhubh** · 16th August 13, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

Satin or grosgrain ribbon is a much less controversial choice of material.

Precisely, David. And a cockade in the livery colours of your Chief is also a lovely option.

**David Thorpe** · 16th August 13, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Precisely, David. And a cockade in the livery colours of your Chief is also a lovely option.

Excactly so, Kyle...

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**WVHighlander** · 16th August 13, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

This suggestion flies in the face of both Scottish tradition and US law. The irony is palpable..

..... ok David...I am going to go out on a limb here but I am sure that COSCA didn't mean REAL EAGLE feathers. They meant as a mark of rank in a society, again if the society supports it.

Again, back to the first point...can a feather be worn behind a Clan Crest.

**Harold Cannon** · 16th August 13, 06:18 PM

Simple answer is YES.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 18th August 13, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Woot22

Just a quick question about something that sort of popped in my head the other day. First let me say that although I think coats of arms and what not are really neat, I have absolutely no plans on attaining one myself. So this question is strictly academic in nature. If someone attained a coat of arms through legit means, that is to say, the Lord Lyon or some other sanctioned body. And now you can wear the single eagle feather on your bonnet, can you only wear the feather behind the the badge that is related to your new coat of arms?

No, you may wear a real feather behind your clan badge if you so choose.

Originally Posted by Woot22

That is to say, if you were wearing a Forbes clan badge, or which ever clan badge, before you had a coat of arms, can you now wear the eagle feather behind your clan badge as well? Just curious if that was considered okay or if once you had your own coat of arms you no longer wore the clan badge. Hope that is not too confusing, it all makes sense in my own head I promise.

An armiger has two options when it comes to the badge worn on his bonnet. He may wear his own badge, with or without an attached metal feather, or he may wear an ordinary clan badge. What he should not do is affix a small metal feather to the clan badge, although he may, when appropriate, wear an actual feather behind either the clan badge or his personal crest badge.