Badge Instead of Kilt Pin?

[Troglodyte]

I should add...

The Honours of Scotland lion crest is that used by the Balmoral Highlanders, so The King's kilt-pin is most likely one of those, or the original that the BHs' badge is copied from.

Here is what it looks like in detail -

images.jpg

Using a strap-and-buckle clan badge as a kilt-pin is nothing new, although not often seen.

I stumbled across one of my own clan badges in an antique shop, several decades ago. Being under-sized, it is too small for use as a bonnet badge, and too large for a lapel pin - but is perfect on the kilt and I have used it that way ever since.

Being hallmarked silver from early last century, the quality is excellent and a good alternative to the targe-and-claymore or crest-and-claymore style pins that are so commonly seen.

BHs' circlet pins occasionally come up for sale, but command high prices as you might imagine.

[Troglodyte]

And how about this one as a bonnet badge...

Glengarry-badge.-Highlanders-Scotland-uniform-.jpg

The strap-and-buckle surround would be quite acceptable for general use, as, in heraldic symbolism, this shows that the wearer is in the service of, or a follower of, the possessor of the crest displayed. A loyal subject of the Crown, in other words.

Disloyal subjects and colonial rebels ought to go for other options, ha, ha, ha..!

[OC Richard]

So I just looked over the 56 kilted men in The Highlanders of Scotland (late 1860s) and it looks like only 5 are wearing kilt pins.

I have loads of Victorian photos and it's the same story there, kilt pins just weren't popular then.

Interestingly, of the five kilted Highland regiments that survived the 1809 cuts only one, the 92nd Foot (Gordon Highlanders) adopted kilt pins.

Anyhow here are the four clearly visible kilt pins in THOS. As you can see one is, in effect, a miniature Clan bonnet badge.

Two (one circular, one oval) appear to be penannular style pins.

Remembering these small round kilt pins is what made the King's pin look "Victorian" to me.

[Hauge]

Ain't sharp at all. But might be to some help?

KingC_pin.jpg

Also believe it's the symbolic Honours of Scotland, in form of the Bonnet badge "Troglodyte" posted.

[RGM1]

And how about this one as a bonnet badge...

Glengarry-badge.-Highlanders-Scotland-uniform-.jpg

The strap-and-buckle surround would be quite acceptable for general use, as, in heraldic symbolism, this shows that the wearer is in the service of, or a follower of, the possessor of the crest displayed. A loyal subject of the Crown, in other words.

Disloyal subjects and colonial rebels ought to go for other options, ha, ha, ha..!

To that point, I wondered about wearing the strap and buckle of a clan to which I claim a connection, however, did not claim any allegiance to the clan head. Rocky said it was unlikely I would be anywhere it was a consideration. Fast forward to now, another related group is working to gain recognized clan status and I am interested in attending the founding meeting in Scotland where this becomes official. I take oaths and such seriously. Am I over thinking this?

[Jock Scot]

To that point, I wondered about wearing the strap and buckle of a clan to which I claim a connection, however, did not claim any allegiance to the clan head. Rocky said it was unlikely I would be anywhere it was a consideration. Fast forward to now, another related group is working to gain recognized clan status and I am interested in attending the founding meeting in Scotland where this becomes official. I take oaths and such seriously. Am I over thinking this?

I think that generally you are overthinking this, but--------and here comes the tricky bit!

Some would say that as the USA claimed independence from the UK, including Scotland many many years ago, so to my mind and others, you as a citizen of the USA are not likely to be bound by taking oaths to a Scottish Clan.

Alright, perhaps I and others here in the UK are wrong? But ------------------?

[RGM1]

I think that generally you are overthinking this, but--------and here comes the tricky bit!

Some would say that as the USA claimed independence from the UK, including Scotland many many years ago, so to my mind and others, you as a citizen of the USA are not likely to be bound by taking oaths to a Scottish Clan.

Alright, perhaps I and others here in the UK are wrong? But ------------------?

My sense is that my ancestors in the Carolina militia made their position as disloyal subjects quite clear. While we still view Britain and the royal family in a very positive light, our first loyalties are elsewhere.

[Jock Scot]

My sense is that my ancestors in the Carolina militia made their position as disloyal subjects quite clear. While we still view Britain and the royal family in a very positive light, our first loyalties are elsewhere.

That, I quite understand.

[OC Richard]

...gain recognized clan status...I take oaths and such seriously.

An oath to whom?

Vowing to do what?

[RGM1]

My point exactly. What does the strap and buckle represent in modern times.