Original British WWI Era 79th (The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders) Scottish Feather Bonnet Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine World War One era Scottish Regimental Feather Bonnet, the classic military headdress of the “Highland” regiments in the British armed forces. These were used mainly by the Scottish Highland infantry regiments of the British Army from about 1763 until the outbreak of World War I. Originally the bonnet was made from cloth, but over time they evolved, influenced by the large feather head dresses that Native Americans wore. The 42nd (Highland) Regiment of Foot specifically was noted for having “disfigured” their bonnets during their service in the Americas, which started with the Seven Years war. Later the bonnet gained an internal frame that gives it the famous high profile. These are now mostly worn by pipers and drummers in various bands throughout the world, as well as for parade occasions.

This bonnet has the usual wool white, red and navy blue “diced” checkerboard around the bottom band, with a black “tail” on the side which has four separate sections. The left side of the helmet has what appears to be an original 79th (The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders) Regiment cap badge, where the correct WWI period Green Hackle Plume of the is installed. The frame of the bonnet is constructed of wire which is wrapped in cotton. Size is approximately 6 3/4 US (54cm).

The leather liner sweatband is unfortunately missing, with the tan rayon crown lining. The original manufacture label is unfortunately no longer visible.

Overall a very pleasing display piece dating from around the Great War and before WWII.

The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders or 79th (The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders) Regiment of Foot was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1793. It amalgamated with the Seaforth Highlanders (the Duke of Albany’s) to form the Queen’s Own Highlanders in 1961.

The regiment was raised as the 79th Regiment of Foot (Cameronian Volunteers) on 17 August 1793 at Fort William by Sir Alan Cameron of Erracht, a cousin of Cameron of Lochiel. Initially mustered from among members of the Clan Cameron in Lochaber, the regiment eventually recruited from across the Highlands, and indeed, seldom elsewhere.