Differences between Tam O'Shanter vs Balmoral

**McMurdo** · 6th July 09, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Longshaor

Who sells WWII pattern Tams?

Check out What Price Glory

**puffer** · 7th July 09, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Check out What Price Glory

Glen, is Correct. WPG http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=1478&bc=no

I have one & it is, IMHO GREAT. not only a good $$, but excellent quality. Far surperior than any others I have seen.

As I mentioned prior in this thread, it is a "true" TOS

Puffer

**Longshaor** · 7th July 09, 05:51 PM

Thanks everyone! I'll post pics when it's all done!

**Swampthing** · 8th July 09, 06:14 PM

Perhaps they're just two versions of the same?
I would like to see what Matt Newsome has to say about this.

**puddlemuddle** · 12th July 09, 04:19 PM

In military terms...since that seems to be the site you were looking at....the modern day TOS is issued to all enlisted men and NCO's in the Scottish (Highland) Divisions. They have a secured very small bow on the back (They are non adjustable) and come in sizes and do have a solid color torrie on top. It is generally worn squared on the head and tilted to the right. It is also very flat, not a lot of room between the top and the top of the head and is made of a coarse OD woll material.

The Blamoral is issued to all OFFRICERS of the scottish (Highland) Divisions. The main differance is the fact that these are made from a much softer lighter "fawn" color of wool. They are generally worn the same way. Squared on the head and tilted to the right with the correct officer's badge affixed to the left side.

On a historical note...the old WWI adnd WWII TOS was just a very large and floppy hat that was adjustable in the back, and a torrie on top and no rosette. It was worn many ways, ranging from way titled on the one side, to slighty up and back..the balmoral of the same time was again for officers, and was very very similer in style and color as todays.

NOW TO CONFUSE YOU EVEN MORE....there is a ceremonial BALMORA that is issued to all scottish (highland) troops which is basically the same as the commercially available one and it is shaved and worn close to the head. Only to be worn with the Dark Blue Doublet that is worn.

Here are some pics:

modern TOS: http://www.tricoloresurplus.com/Head...ont_Right_.jpg

http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/i...k_watch_hr.jpg

WWII TOS: http://baor-locations.com/images/10%...wley%20(4).jpg (Note here that even the officers have TOS on versus the Balmoral)

Officers Balmoral:https://onlinemilitaria.net/images/U...l%20Bonnet.jpg

**thescot** · 12th July 09, 05:27 PM

While we are all back on the subject, you can see an good example of the difference in officers' and WOs' tams versus other ranks tams in Tunes of Glory.

I bought a 3rd party officer's style tam a while back, and it's pretty good, but I had to do some work on it to make it wearable. I added a swatch of Robertson tartan (my own) and added a Cameron badge (without "Cameron") and a blue flat hackle I purchased from House of Labhran. Heck, it would almost pass for a prop from Tunes.

It was too hot to wear the stinkin' thing by the time I got it all ready to wear, so I haven't been seen in it. Nor am I likely to be wearing it a whole lot; it primarily for my collection of tams, bonnets, berets, and other types of head gear. At the right time, I'll probably wear it and get a photo.

**macwilkin** · 12th July 09, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

While we are all back on the subject, you can see an good example of the difference in officers' and WOs' tams versus other ranks tams in Tunes of Glory.

I bought a 3rd party tam a while back, and it's prettyfairly good, but I had to do some work on it to make it wearable. I added a swatch of Robertson tartan (my own) and added a Cameron badge (without "Cameron") and a blue flat hackle I purchased from House of Labhran. Heck, it would almost pass for a prop from Tunes.

It was too hot to wear the stinkin' thing by the time I got it all ready to wear, so I haven't been seen in it. Nor am I likely to be wearing it a whole lot; it primarily for my collection of tams, bonnets, berets, and other types of head gear. At the right time, I'll probably wear it and get a photo.

Aye, Jim -- the best comparison of the twa types of bonnets can be seen when RSM Riddick and Pipe Major Maclean are arguing about Col. Barrow ("Och, away home and watch your television, Mr. Riddick -- Muffin the Mule is on at 5.00 o'clock!") RSM Riddick wears an officer's pattern bonnet.

Todd

**thescot** · 12th July 09, 05:48 PM

BTW, I believe that I am correct in saying that the rigidity to which you referred is a result of the wool on the side of the tam, not the tartan flash. Of the tams I wear, I have taken the new ones and washed them thoroughly in clear water to soften them and reduce the sharp "crease" at the edge where the top and sides are sewn. Looks more like what you would see in the regiment.

You can also order tartan flashes from WPG for 5 bucks.