Swords in a non-reenacting situation

[macwilkin]

When ceremonially piping in the Scotch, it's not unusual for the bearer to be followed up by someone with a drawn broadsword; I've heard that he's on guard against the exciseman.

That's what we tell folks at our Burns Supper.

Of course, our resident "hillbilly" says to be more accurate for the Ozarks, they should be carrying double-barreled shotguns.

Regards,

Todd

[davedove]

Of course, our resident "hillbilly" says to be more accurate for the Ozarks, they should be carrying double-barreled shotguns.

Todd, I know you're a traditionalist, but sometimes you just have to bend to the traditions of the local area.

[Howard Clark]

Or maybe a .36 cal squirrel rifle. I guess it depends on time period, huh ?

[slohairt]

Jack, I think the Bristol Faire in Kenosha has the same rules. Phil, that's a good point, I wonder why/when swords became unfashionable with black-tie Highland dress?

The picture that Phil posted is 'white tie' or court dress. There doesn't appear to be any evidence of a sword being worn with black-tie. After all, a baldric and sword would look pretty silly with a Prince Charlie!

I would imagine in rare situations you could get away with a basket-hilt. Maybe your wedding or certain white-tie events. Claymore? No. Matching set of flintlock pistols complete with powder horn? Probably not.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Or maybe a .36 cal squirrel rifle. I guess it depends on time period, huh ?

.36 cal? In the part of the Ozarks where my father came from, they used .22's, ammo was cheaper, and it wasted less of the squirrel

[beloitpiper]

So we've established that at formal events they are no longer worn, but when/why did this go out of style? Did the natural "casualization" of our society do it, or are there other reasons why we went from this:


to this:

[Jack Daw]

What happened to your right to keep and arm bears?

Oh, we can wear licensed guns. But, most public buildings request that you don't.

[RCallan]

Never have like the idea of walking around with a sword anyways. Weather your wearing a kilt or not. Looks just silly.

[JSFMACLJR]

So we've established that at formal events they are no longer worn, but when/why did this go out of style? Did the natural "casualization" of our society do it, or are there other reasons why we went from this:


to this:

The Spy cartoon shows the then Marquis of Tullibardine wearing the uniform of his father's army, The Atholl Highlanders. That uniform is still worn.

Kind regards,
Sandford MacLean

[Fedgunner]

I'm working a ren-faire this weekend. (Highland games, covering three different tents.)
I'll have a claidhmore in a back hanging baldic as part of my "bit"
We are promoting Scots heritage. There are certain things the public expects. I'm not afraid to give the visual "Braveheart" to make them listen to the spiel.