Possible interest to some MacLeods...

**Shinenotburn** · 19th July 21, 07:09 AM

I have recently acquire this sterling silver clan badge, Halmarked from around 1891 - 1892 if I'm reading it correctly.
The Motto is in Gaelic which is somewhat surprising to me, but what is most unusual to me is that it has been translated to three different phrases, each by different sources.

None of these translations are the same as what has been long associated with our clan.
So the question is. What do you Gael talk folks think about this?

Could it be a "one off" or the motto of a lesser known sept of our clan?

Hoping some of you Mhic Leoids will chime in here.

**Jock Scot** · 19th July 21, 02:15 PM

I am afraid that I have no idea. However this quote from an old MacLeod Clan pamphlet may assist? "Many MacLeod Clansfolk display their own Arms and crests on their badges, garments and flags". I am not sure what the Lord Lyon, who oversees these things, might have thought of that though?

**Shinenotburn** · 19th July 21, 02:24 PM

A rather independent lot aren't we then... Thanks, Jock.

**Jock Scot** · 19th July 21, 02:33 PM

Another thing that I notice that the marks on the back of the badge are not silver hallmarks that denote any UK assay marks that I am aware of. Therefore three things spring to mind. 1. Is it really made of silver? 2. Has the badge illustrated been officially sanctioned by the Lord Lyon in Scotland? 3. Is this some fanciful Clan badge made by some enthusiastic Clansman? I have no ideas on those matters.

**gsmacleod** · 19th July 21, 02:51 PM

I'm certainly no Gaelic expert but while it might not be a direct translation, I think it looks close enough:

Glèidh means to keep or maintain

Daingeanh means strong or unmoveable

Perhaps I'm incorrect but I'd call that close enough to the more familiar motto.

Lovely piece!

Shane

**Shinenotburn** · 19th July 21, 07:28 PM

As I understand it,Jock, the marks on the back are pre 1900, Glasgow Hallmarks STG SIL representing Sterling Silver and T U gives the date.
Given the the cost to have some dies set up and the casting of one of these, you might think it not that common for someone to undertake, as there were makers mass producing clan badges already I'm sure. But you have asked some good questions here. We will have to see what unfolds with more research.

The translation you came up with Shane is one that I got as well. So thank you for that. What strikes me strange is that it is similar, but not a direct translation to Hold Fast, which translated to

Cùm gu sgiobalta.

**gsmacleod** · 20th July 21, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Shinenotburn

The translation you came up with Shane is one that I got as well. So thank you for that. What strikes me strange is that it is similar, but not a direct translation to Hold Fast, which translated to

Cùm gu sgiobalta.

I'm wondering if it might be a case where the direct translation doesn't mean the same thing while what is here is closer in meaning to Hold Fast.

However, I certainly don't know Gaelic well enough to know if that's the case or not.

Shane