Assistance with attaching badge to balmoral hat

[thescot]

I don't think anyone mentioned that the Seaforths would have used the MacKenzie tartan for the backer on a tam. It would be sewn down on the left and right side of the backer, I believe. Then the posts would go through both the backer and tam for the cotter pin on the inside to hold it on. Since those badges aren't very heavy, you shouldn't need a stiffener of any kind like the berets Pleater mentioned; they are made from stamped metal, I think.

You have good instructions above for guaging the holes and making them.

You can order a MacKenzie badge backer for five bucks from WPG at http://onlinemilitaria.com/shopexd.asp?id=1759&bc=no

We would love to see photos when you get it all done.

[chewse]

Perfect! When I get it together, I'll include pictures.

[Pleater]

They do say that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - but there was no sign of the Canadian regiment's coronet or an L being included with the badge, I saw only the badge of what I assumed was the British Seaforth Highlanders - and they were amalgamated fifty years ago - the badge of the new regiment incorporated the stag's head, but it was not the same shape, and there was something between the antlers, but of course they too are gone now.

Perhaps I am too used to seeing badges being worn in memory of the dead.

Now a regimental or association tie - that is personal - a statement of belonging. I suppose it is how you were brought up to view these things.

Many years ago my sister's mother in law allowed her late husband's medals out of her keeping, and never saw them again. Every year someone who was not entitled to wear them marched in the Remembrance parade, and then his son would show them off and talk of his dad the military hero - there is a special place in Hell reserved for such as him - I hope.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[David Thorpe]

"It seems that some, perhaps many, US citizens seem rather more relaxed about "honouring their ancestors military career"."

Perhaps I misunderstood this statement as a generalization. Mea culpa.

[Pleater]

I don't recall the pins giving my head any grief, but the pins might have been a little shorter than the one you have.

I once pinned a large spider broach to a cap and got ten little impact injuries - eight legs and the two fixings for the pin - which were quite painful. It was before the days of seatbelts and I hit the passenger side door when the driver had to avoid a car emerging from a side road. Great handbrake turn, just like in the pictures.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: