"horse hair sporrans"

[Derek Conley]

Puffer, great pics. I really like the classy look of the unengraved cantle. Very elegant.

As for the other discussions regarding military insignia, this has been and always will be a sticky subject for all involved, both military and civilian. I can only speak for myself, but (for instance) when I see someone wearing something with the US Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor... my first response is, "Semper Fi!" and if, during conversation, it comes up they aren't a Marine, that's fine... provided they never attempted to pass themselves off as one. "My brother/father/mother/sister/best friend/whatever is a Marine", etc, is a fine response and a fine reason to wear something with the EGA. What I've noticed, however, is that people at times become concerned that you may think ill of them for wearing the insignia and not actually being a Marine (or what-have-you) and immediately have a knee-jerk reaction to say "yes" when asked if they are. This, then, leads to a train wreck when the conversation continues and it's apparent they aren't.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I may be opening a can of worms here...but I don't think that it's disrespectful at all to wear a regimental badge (actually, this regiment sadly no longer exists as a whole, as it was amalgamated into The Royal Regiment of Scotland, after being amalgamated into The Highlanders). I think that if it was a current regiment that still wore the badge, then maybe I can see where it might be construed as disrespectful, but to wear one that is no longer worn..I see it more as keeping the tradition and memory alive. Sort of a memorial of sorts if you will. I myself wear the uniforms of (WWI and WWII mind you) the Liverpool Scottish, which no longer exist except in the cadet training form. So as long as your not trying to pass yourself off as a member, then I don't see it as a problem.
Just my tuppence worth.
Oh yeah...and I ALWAYS think there's room for more horse hair sporrans in the world!!

Chad

I asked a retired officer from one of the former Highland regiments (for the life of me I cannot remember which one, though I'm 95% certain he was Black Watch), whom I was introduced to by a mutual friend at a Highland Games what he thought of civilians wearing the badges and other insignia of the regiments.

His opinion was that, since none of these regiments exist any longer, there was no real reason why anyone should not wear them, and as far as he was concerned having interested people wear the badges helped to keep the memory of those regiments alive, so he thought it was a fine thing to do.

Just sharing one officer's opinion!

[Jack Daw]

I don't mean to change the subject, but I just have to say that of all the places I visited as a U.S. tourist in 2003 Scotland, I received the best treatment at the various Highland Regimental museums. At the Gordon Highlanders, I had my own personal tour guide. SALT OF THE EARTH!

[freddie]

I've just bought myself one of these sporrans sold as 'army surplus' because I like the look of them. It's an unissued sporran to 'The Queen's Own Highlanders' with the thistle and crown sporran badge. I do have a family link with the Seaforth Highlanders as it was my father's old regiment, although I never served myself. I thought about changing the sporran badge, but then I don't want to ruin the sporran by making extra holes, so I'm going to keep it as it is and wear it with pride. I understand that this type of sporran is still worn by members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, although I can't see any harm in me wearing it as anything sold as 'army surplus' has in a way been de-commisioned and fallen into the public domain. However Matt Newsome's post is very encouraging. As has been pointed out they are far more roomier and more functional than a civilian sporran. Also I have a very big frame and a civilian sporran looks a bit puny on me. I also love the way the horse hair 'swings' when you walk. In fact I just love my sporran !

[puffer]

I've just bought myself one of these sporrans sold as 'army surplus' because I like the look of them. It's an unissued sporran to 'The Queen's Own Highlanders' with the thistle and crown sporran badge. I do have a family link with the Seaforth Highlanders as it was my father's old regiment, although I never served myself. I thought about changing the sporran badge, but then I don't want to ruin the sporran by making extra holes, so I'm going to keep it as it is and wear it with pride. I understand that this type of sporran is still worn by members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, although I can't see any harm in me wearing it as anything sold as 'army surplus' has in a way been de-commisioned and fallen into the public domain. However Matt Newsome's post is very encouraging. As has been pointed out they are far more roomier and more functional than a civilian sporran. Also I have a very big frame and a civilian sporran looks a bit puny on me. I also love the way the horse hair 'swings' when you walk. In fact I just love my sporran !

I agree with you. It has been my "experience, in most cases, that if you wear it with prade & respect ++++ DO NOT TRY to look "military" it is acceptable.

Here is a picture of mine ( a Officer's Day Sporran. )worn with "permission of the unit)



BUT if you wish to change the "Sporran Badge, it is EASY TO DO PM me me if you need Assistence)
Here is one that often wear


Puffer

[g koch]

Anyone know if this 79th New York Civil War Sporran is one of those with an ample pouch?

http://www.landmhighland.com/Default...ptyp=9&pid=299



Like to get one some day.

[xena]

FWIW, not all of these military Regiments have disappeared through amalgamation. Canada has a high number of Highland units in the Primary Reserve (our equivalent of the TA).

I can assure you, the Black Watch, Seaforth Highlanders, Cameron Highlanders, etc. still exist as distinct Regiments. Oddly, just not in the UK.

And the way I personally look at it, as long as you're not walting it up, trying to pass yourself off as a member of said unit, it's fine.

I look at it as similar to someone wearing a sports jersey. Simply wearing it means you're a fan. Wearing it and trying to intimate that you are a member of that particular professional sports team means you should probably up your medication.

Don't walt and you're fine.

Clicky for a definition of Walt and Walting. Probably NSFW.

[puffer]

Anyone know if this is one of those with an ample pouch?

http://www.landmhighland.com/Default...ptyp=9&pid=299



Like to get one some day.

Suggest you contact them % ask. My "bag" measures (open) 5" wide 1 3/4" gusset, 7 1/2" deep ( 6" to top of gusset )

Puffer

[puffer]

FWIW, not all of these military Regiments have disappeared through amalgamation. Canada has a high number of Highland units in the Primary Reserve (our equivalent of the TA).

I can assure you, the Black Watch, Seaforth Highlanders, Cameron Highlanders, etc. still exist as distinct Regiments. Oddly, just not in the UK.

And the way I personally look at it, as long as you're not walting it up, trying to pass yourself off as a member of said unit, it's fine.

I look at it as similar to someone wearing a sports jersey. Simply wearing it means you're a fan. Wearing it and trying to intimate that you are a member of that particular professional sports team means you should probably up your medication.

Don't walt and you're fine.


Clicky for a definition of Walt and Walting. Probably NSFW.

Thanks for the post on "WALTING" WE call them "WANABES" but that term "Walts" is GREAT !!

Puffer

[xena]

Yeah, but, the difference is a legitimate recruit or selection candidate can be a true "wannabe" and there's nothing wrong with that.

At least you guys have a "Stolen Valor" Act and you enforce it. In Canada, wearing medals and rank insignia that you haven't earned is technically illegal, but I've never heard of charges being laid. Strangely, in the UK, walting is legal - highly unappreciated by Her Majesty's Hitmen as you can tell on the above link, but still technically legal.