Original British WWII Khaki Tam O’ Shanter Wool Cap with Highland Regiment Government Tartan – Size 6 5/8 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Scottish “Highland” regiments of the British Army have traditionally worn Scottish style headgear as part of their informal field uniforms. In the First World War, a khaki Balmoral bonnet was introduced in 1915 for wear in the trenches by Scottish infantry serving on the Western Front. This came to be known as the ‘bonnet, tam o’ shanter’, later abbreviated among military personnel to ‘ToS’. It replaced the Glengarry – which was the regulation bonnet worn by Scottish troops with khaki field dress at the start of the war. Originally knitted, the military tam o’ shanter subsequently came to be constructed from separate pieces of khaki serge cloth.

This led to a design incorporating characteristics of both the Balmoral Bonnet and Tam O’ Shanter, which were both derived from the earlier Scottish “Blue Bonnet”. This is a very nice WWII example, and fits the pattern beautifully. It has a two piece constructed woolen exterior, and the center features the standard “toorie” woolen ball or pom-pom. The front left side has a square piece of Scottish “Clan Campbell” Tartan fabric, which is the pattern known as “Government sett”. This tartan was used by the Black Watch, the Calgary Highlanders, and various other “Highland” Scottish Regiments. Currently it is the tartan of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. There is no badge installed on the tartan, so we unfortunately cannot say which regiment it is from definitively.

The crown still has faded markings, though a repair has made some parts illegible.

6 5/8
A. & [J.] GELFER
[GLASGOW]
(Broad Arrow)

Unfortunately the area with the date is in the repair completely, but we have seen many of these caps through research, and all are WWII issue.

This example is in good condition, though it does show wear consistent with service, both inside and out. As mentioned previously, there is a repaired tear in the center of the interior, and overall it is stained from wear. The rear of the cap has a repaired tear, and the securing strap is completely missing, and only the grommets remain. The toorie on top is a bit frizzy and not very ball like anymore. The wool shell shows little degradation due to moth or other forms of wear. The tartan patch is also in great shape.

Very attractive, with loads of patina and ready to add to your Scottish collection!