Original British WWI Era Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment Scottish Feather Bonnet by WILLIAM ANDERSON & SONS LTD 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 a what appears to be a reproduction Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment cap badge, where the correct WWI period Red Hackle Plume of the Black Watch 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 fully intact, with the red rayon crown lining. The original manufacture is embossed in gilt on the leather and reads:

WM ANDERSON & SONS LTD
MILITARY OUTFITTERS
EDINBURGH, GLASGOW

In the 1860s William Anderson, along with his two sons, established a tailoring business in the city of Edinburgh. Within a few years of its creation, the company became one of the foremost tailors in the country.

For over 100 years Kinloch Anderson were based in the elegant splendour of George Street, which was befitting a company whose name became a byword for bespoke tailoring.  By the 1900s Kinloch Anderson had become an outfitter to the Royal Family.

Prior to the outbreak of the First World War, the Company extended its portfolio with the introduction of military tailoring, with officers’ uniforms being made for all the Scottish regiments.

Between 1914 and 1918, the Kinloch Anderson family lost the following four members who were serving in Scottish Regiments:

Lieutenant Frederick Kinloch Anderson, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

Captain Walter Kinloch Anderson, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

Lance Corporal Walter Zerub Baillie Anderson, Royal Scots

Lieutenant Eric Milroy, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

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