Original British WWII Era Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment Scottish Feather Bonnet – King’s Crown 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. 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 side which has four separate sections. The left side of the helmet has a small fabric rosette, where the Regimental Badge of the The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) is displayed, and features a “King’s Crown”, indicating issue before 1952. It unfortunately does not have the red hackle “plume”, which is missing.

The cap badge is distinctive, with the 8 pointed Star of the Order of the Thistle, bearing a banner reading THE ROYAL HIGHLANDERS at the top, and another reading BLACK WATCH at the bottom. Within this is a thistle wreath surrounding an oval with the Royal Motto of Scotland: NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT (No one provokes me with impunity). This was the Latin motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty of Scotland from at least the reign of James VI when it appeared on the reverse side of merk coins minted in 1578 and 1580. The Very center of the badge is an image of St. Andrew with the Cross of Scotland, and at the very bottom is a Sphinx atop a tablet, added to the regimental emblems of all units that saw service in the Egyptian Campaign of 1801.

The leather liner for this bonnet is unfortunately missing, and it does look to have seen long service. There are four tails to the bonnet, which indicate an enlisted man: five tails are reserved for officers.  The bonnet is in good condition, especially considering the age and relative fragility. While modern feather bonnets make good use of more “modern” materials, this one has a wool checkerboard, which while somewhat scuffed and “fuzzy”, has not suffered major moth damage. There is age toning and staining on the white, as expected, but overall it presents very nicely.

The interior lining shows that this bonnet was made by Hobson & Sons of London. Just below this a “window” has been made in the lining, with the edges tied back, most likely for ventilation, as these could get extremely hot. The hole is covered by the “tails” so it cannot be seen. The Bonnet also looks to have been resting on its side for some time, so the headband is somewhat flattened. There is also some deformation to the internal wire support.

Absolutely original, very decorative and ready to Display!