Help with Graham Kilts, sporran and silver dress buttons

[Hugh Anstruther Rance]

Here is my original post again. So far I haven't managed to get any idea of the value of the kilts. As has been pointed out, the thread has been sidetracked by an argument about the date of the silk breeches. When they have been professionally examined, for the record I will let you know what date they are. In the meantime, it would be good to get some idea of the value of the kilts, sporran and buttons as I hoped to do with my first post.

For anyone who would like to read about Thomas Graham, descendant of Mary Stewart and later the Marquis of Montrose, General and second in command to the Duke of Wellington, here is an article about his distinguished career and connections with Burns and Sir Walter Scott:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...mas_graham.htm

Thank you in anticipation for any positive, constructive or helpful offerings:

"Hello to everyone on this interesting website. I am looking for some advice about 2 kilts, a sporran and some silver dress buttons that came down to me through my mother's side of the family.

The tartan is Graham (my mother was a Maxtone Graham). I would be grateful if someone can tell me what age the pleated kilt is, as it is possible it belonged to Thomas Graham, General Lord Lynedoch who was my ancestor.

The great kilt is a full width broadloom kilt and I believe it may be from the 18th century. It has a silk embroidered family monogram in the corner. If someone knows the age of this, I would also be grateful.

The silver dress buttons may be Victorian or Edwardian. I expect it is hard to tell without a hallmark although they do appear to be solid silver rather than plated. I have a Scottish uncle who is keen to acquire some of these things from me but have no idea of their value at the moment. If anyone can give me some indication so that we can agree a mutually happy deal, it would be very helpful.

Here are links to the kilts, sporran and buttons:
[URL="http://picasaweb.google.com/hughrance/KiltSporranSilverDressButtons?feat=directlink"]http://picasaweb.google.com/hughranc...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/hughranc...eat=directlink

And if anyone is interested to see the extremely fine silk dress breeches that Lord Lynedoch wore on a night out at the ball, there are here, along with his white leather hunting breeches:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hughranc...eat=directlink

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give.

With best wishes,

Hugh"

[Phil]

My experience at auctions is that this type of clothing goes for a fairly reasonable price tag, aristocratic connections or no. Certainly less than they would cost new. Queen Victoria's knickers or a sporting shirt that can be framed, hung on a wall and admired will fetch more but the only thing you can do with kilts, breeches etc is wear them and if they don't fit no-one bids. I have to admit this is the first I have ever heard of a Lord Lynedoch although I did know of a Lynedoch Place and Street in the Park Circus area of Glasgow. Don't know if there is a connection and excuse my ignorance but I doubt if there is a large following or even any interest in the individual or his old clothing. I would keep the stuff in the family as heirlooms where someone actually knows about them.