78th Highlanders and The Battle of Jersey

[figheadair]

Hmm, I was wondering about that. Now that I look really hard, I can see that it's knife-pleated instead of military box-pleated.

If I may ask, what do you mean by "hard tartan"?

The first thing to appreciate is that by box pleat I mean a true box and not what is now called a military box pleat. Here's an image, rather poor quality I'm afraid, of a 78th (and so military) box pleated kilt c1790-1800.



Notice that there are fewer and broad box pleats.

Hard tartan is a term that refer to the old method of weaving cloth that left a coarse feel to the material. It was partially due to the fact that the cloth was not finished as modern cloth is and partly a result of the type of fleece used for the yarn. Often this cloth had the appearance of starched linen. It is very difficult to replicate today because the breed of sheep is extinct/bred out and all commercial cloth is now washed and softened during the finishing process, something not done to C18th and early C19th cloth.

[creagdhubh]

This is a c1930-50 kilt and not one correct to the Battle of Jersey era when it would have been box-pleated, hard tartan and in Wilsons' colours.

The high rise was to allow the kilt to be worn with the short battle-dress jacket so ensuring that there would not be a gap between the two.

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[tulloch]

Beautiful photos. Thanks. Looks like a place to go. Very nice for holiday.

[Finn]

Great thread! Very informative and thanks for all the great pics!

[Arnot]

Hmm, I was wondering about that. Now that I look really hard, I can see that it's knife-pleated instead of military box-pleated.

Actually, I think it is military box-pleated. You can see military box-pleats, especially to the right of center on the second photo. I have an MOD Seaforths kilt and the pleats are definitely military box-pleats.

[Tobus]

Actually, I think it is military box-pleated. You can see military box-pleats, especially to the right of center on the second photo. I have an MOD Seaforths kilt and the pleats are definitely military box-pleats.

Ha, well, I guess you're right. I can't see it real well, and sort of assumed that it was just 'pleat curl'. With a good pressing though (which that kilt sorely needs), aye, I can see that it would be military box-pleats.

[Piipriker]

Beautiful photos. Thanks. Looks like a place to go. Very nice for holiday.

The Channel Islands are definitely worth a visit (or more). Nice scenery, good food and lovely people.

This picture is a 360° view from Elizabeth Castle with St. Aubin's Bay and St. Helier.

Panoramic View