making a small start

[Mike_Oettle]

The cry on X Marks is constantly “Show us your pics,” but for several months I have been unable to take any.
Not much to show even now, but for starters, here is my regimental bonnet badge:

The badge shows the crest (a hawk preying on a heron) of the Duke of Montrose, Chief of Clan Graham. The father of the present duke became honorary colonel of First City, the Grahamstown regiment, in the late 1930s.
He accepted the invitation on condition that the entire regiment went into kilts (until 1913 there had been a Highland company).
He gave a good deal of advice on Highland wear, and insisted that his crest be the bonnet badge. However, he said the regiment should retain its traditional collar badge and motto. The motto, Expecto, can be seen below the crest.
The original badge was shown with a strap and buckle, but since this is a clansman’s badge, this was changed for a wreath of foliage.

Next, a picture of the pelt from which I will be having a sporran made:

This is the skin of a caracal (Caracal melanotis), also known as a rooikat. It is found across Africa (although not in desert regions or rain forests) as well as in Arabia (not in the central areas), and marginally into Central Asia.
I particularly like the russet that marks the animal’s backbone, and the white of the belly (at the edge of the pelt.
Regards,
Mike