Pips for a Stand-Up Collar

**Jack Daw** · 10th July 08, 02:22 PM

I've got a patrol tunic that I will be wearing as a piper. It has a stand-up collar and I purchased some metal pips shaped like a Scottish weed. But, I'm confused as to how to attach them to the collar. Each pip has two posts at opposite ends on the backside that have eyelets to insert a pin through. I've never seen such before. What I don't get is how the pips are run through the collar. Am I supposed to puncture the collar in four places with holes large enough to fit the posts with eyelets through? So, I need an awl? This seems rather distructive with no mistakes allowed (unlike a badge that only makes a pin-hole). Advice? (I'm guessing, "measure twice; cut once", will come.)

**JS Sanders** · 10th July 08, 02:27 PM

JD -

How practical would it be to stitch them to the collar? Upholstery thread is mighty strong and I'd think it would go largely un-noticed.

You are correct - over time the holes'll pretty much be permanent.

Photos to illustrate?

Slainte,
stevie

**JS Sanders** · 10th July 08, 02:42 PM

I believe I've seen these collar dogs before. They're a real PIA.

The pin secures the dog to the outer fabric thru the eyelets.

Slainte,
steve

**macwilkin** · 10th July 08, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

I've got a patrol tunic that I will be wearing as a piper. It has a stand-up collar and I purchased some metal pips shaped like a Scottish weed. But, I'm confused as to how to attach them to the collar. Each pip has two posts at opposite ends on the backside that have eyelets to insert a pin through. I've never seen such before. What I don't get is how the pips are run through the collar. Am I supposed to puncture the collar in four places with holes large enough to fit the posts with eyelets through? So, I need an awl? This seems rather distructive with no mistakes allowed (unlike a badge that only makes a pin-hole). Advice? (I'm guessing, "measure twice; cut once", will come.)

Are you referring to "collar dogs", Jack? "pips" generally refers to the stars used by the British Army to denote rank, as in "pips and crowns".

Pictures would be great.

T.

**Jack Daw** · 10th July 08, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by JS Sanders

I believe I've seen these collar dogs before. They're a real PIA.

The pin secures the dog to the outer fabric thru the eyelets.

Slainte,
steve

Yes, that's right. I've only seen dogs designed like them on a Canadian Mounty tunic.

**Jack Daw** · 10th July 08, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Are you referring to "collar dogs", Jack? "pips" generally refers to the stars used by the British Army to denote rank, as in "pips and crowns".

Pictures would be great.

T.

Ah, yes, "dogs" - I forgot the term. Thanks for the correction. I'm afraid I have no pics at this time.

**JS Sanders** · 10th July 08, 04:56 PM

Where'd you obtain these goomers?

Slainte,
steve

**Jack Daw** · 10th July 08, 05:22 PM

Burnett's & Struth. Excellent stuff there...even though they're Canadian.

**Jock Scot** · 10th July 08, 11:23 PM

Scottish weed?I rather suspect that you are looking at a Scottish thistle!It sounds as though you have the standard British army method of attaching collar dogs,pips,cap badges(the fittings for these have changed now,I think) ,etc..Be careful the eyes have a habit of breaking off.

**Nervous Jock** · 11th July 08, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

Am I supposed to puncture the collar in four places with holes large enough to fit the posts with eyelets through? So, I need an awl? This seems rather distructive with no mistakes allowed (unlike a badge that only makes a pin-hole). Advice? (I'm guessing, "measure twice; cut once", will come.)

You pretty much got it right, most british mil badges are the same too (the current RRS badge has 7 of these posts to cut into your headdress). For Rank Badges most have been replaced by pins abd studs now which are kinder to the material but less robust. Suggest you use a craft knife rather than an awl.