Original British Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Scottish Regimental Feather Bonnet by Thos. Gordon & Sons – c. 1960 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine Scottish Regimental Feather Bonnet, the classic military headdress of the “Highland” regiments in the British armed forces, probably dating from the 1960s-1970s. These were used mainly by the Scottish Highland infantry regiments of the British Army from about 1763 until the outbreak of World War I. These are reminiscent of the bearskins that used to be worn, but which are no longer used in military service. Due to the increasing scarcity of bears, as well as the required hunting, the feather bonnets were a much more economical choice, even in the early 1800s. These are now mostly worn by pipers and drummers in various bands throughout the world.

This bonnet has the usual white, red and navy blue checkerboard around the bottom, with a black “tail” on the back, which separates into 3 sections. The left side of the helmet on the checkerboard has a small black ribbon, where the regimental badge of the ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND Highlanders is displayed. This features 2 circlets of leaves and thistles intertwined with boars head and rabbit in the center.

The regiment was created under the Childers Reforms in 1881, as the Princess Louise’s (Sutherland and Argyll Highlanders), by the amalgamation of the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot and 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot, amended the following year to reverse the order of the “Argyll” and “Sutherland” sub-titles.[2] The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was expanded to fifteen battalions during the First World War (1914–1918) and nine during the Second World War (1939–1945). The 1st Battalion served in the 1st Commonwealth Division in the Korean War and gained a high public profile for its role in Aden during 1967.

The bonnet is in very good service condition, looking to have been on display in a home or museum for some time since its time in service. The basket under the feathers is slightly deformed, being squashed a bit side to side, as is the bottom of the helmet where the leather sweatband is. This is mostly torn away from the helmet, having ripped at the stitching, and there is a layer of rolled up paper / newspaper behind the band to help maintain the shape. The rear of the helmet still bears the Scottish makers tag:

HIGHLAND DRESS MANUFACTURERS

Thos. Gordon & Sons Ltd.

GLASGOW

The red lining is still attached to the sweatband, and is in good shape, with the original top tie still intact. This is a later example that has an adjustable band, which currently is set at about a 7 1/4, and probably could go a bit larger or smaller. The inner support is a metal basket, which is totally covered in Black Feathers. It comes with its original plastic chin strap, which is attached to side buttons.

Absolutely original, very decorative and ready to Display!