Fore & Aft / Deerstalker?

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 31st October 08, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Okay, this one is for Jock Scot (or anyone else for that matter).

While surfing this site: Sutherland Sporting Tweed Company, and checking out their hats, I couldn't help but notice that they have one style of hat called a "deerstalker" w/ stiff brim all the way around, and a Fore & Aft (listed as Sherlock Holmes).

I'm confused

In Scotland are Deerstalkers and Fore & Aft's two different hats?
Over here on this side of the pond one seem's to be synonymous with the other, and when one or the other term is mentioned one almost always thinks of the image of Sherlock Holmes

Anyways, I'm curious what these two names bring to mind in Scotland when mentioned? Two different style hats? One & the same?

Thanks.

Great site thanks for the link!! I have always loved the tweed look, now I just need a better job so I can afford the tweed look!!
Sara

**Jock Scot** · 31st October 08, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by Spc. Scott

Do they have the same laws regarding blaze orange that we have here in the states?

No we don't! Anything that has any bright colours in it,never mind blaze orange,would be regarded with huge dismay on our shooting fields.Clay pigeon shooting may be an exception ,but then,thats hardly shooting is it?

**Spc. Scott** · 31st October 08, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

No we don't! Anything that has any bright colours in it,never mind blaze orange,would be regarded with huge dismay on our shooting fields.Clay pigeon shooting may be an exception ,but then,thats hardly shooting is it?

I guess you could call it practice shooting...

I didn't think that you had any laws about having to wear day-glo colors to avoid being mistaken as some sort of game animal.

Too many twitchy fingers here perhaps.

...but to tie this back in with the OP's topic...
They could be a great field hat for turkey hunting.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 31st October 08, 08:31 AM

Just reached across to the hat rack in the corner of my office to see who made my fore-and-aft (bought it a good many years ago at Chalmers, in Oban). Any how, when I went to put it on there was a LOUD "snap" as whatever was used to stiffen the brim broke. I gingerly tested the rest of the brim, and whatever is inside has turned incredibly brittle-- snaps in half with the least pressure. Damn! That hat couldn't be more than, oh.. 35 years old, and its gone to ruination due to some sort of inferior brim stiffening material. I shall have to write to the Oban Times and express my displeasure.

At least I now know where to purchase another.

**Jock Scot** · 31st October 08, 08:42 AM

I just can't think what's happening to this world, hats only lasting 35 years,whatever next!

**Panache** · 31st October 08, 08:52 AM

It happens to be a very stormy Halloween here in California. I decided as such to wear a very practical Halloween Costume and have dressed as the commonly perceived image of...Sherlock Holmes! While waiting with my son in line for class to start one of the other dads looked at my Inverness cape and deer stalker hat and asked "Are you in a costume or is this you being dapper as usual?"

I drew out of the capes' pockets a plastic pipe and a huge magnifying glass. "This makes it a costume" I replied with smile.

I have to say that my deer stalker hat kept my head warm and dry, a very practical item to say the least.

Cheers

Jamie

**Bugbear** · 31st October 08, 09:18 AM

Glad I don't have to be confused about this anymore. Some day, I will probably get another deerstalker type hat, they would be good for out here as far as covering for the sun.

**BoldHighlander** · 31st October 08, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Yes I can see the confusion and I am not to blame! Well that's my story anyway! I have looked at the Sutherland ------ website and they do indeed confuse things more than somewhat with their labeling.Haggarts of Aberfeldy label their hats the same way. I have had it explained, by some one who knows, that they are so tired of explaining to visitors which hat is which, that they have bowed to pressure to call a deer stalker a Sherlock Holmes for a quiet life! I could be wrong(please accept my apologies if I am), but at a guess the Sutherland Tweed shop probably gets their hats from the same source as Haggarts, hence the same labeling. REST ASSURED WE LOCALS call a deer stalker a deer stalker NOT repeat NOT EVER a Sherlock Holmes and WE call a fore and aft a fore and aft and NOT repeat NOT EVER a deer stalker. In other words, Deer stalker with flaps. Fore and aft WITHOUT ear flaps.

Thanks for clearing that up Jock!

**BoldHighlander** · 31st October 08, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Sheep In Wolf's Clothing

Great site thanks for the link!! I have always loved the tweed look, now I just need a better job so I can afford the tweed look!!
Sara

Ha!ha! I understand.

Did you see their tweed Inverness Cape? Oh my!

**Bugbear** · 31st October 08, 02:06 PM

What is the name of the bonnet that does not have the flat top? It's just... round or cotton ball shaped.

I guess I should also ask if that one is worn anymore?