Post-WWII Scottish Unit Headgear (UK and Commonwealth)

[Reid10]

The label is very faded and even by getting it damp it is not legible. I have tried looking for similar labels on other headgear, but with no luck. If I finally can make an educated guess, I will update the post. I assess 1950s to 1960s based on period photos.

[Reid10]

This beret came with several postcards of Scottish Regiments sent to the owner when they were at boarding school in the 1940s. I carefully tucked the cards away...and cannot find them. Once I do, I will post pictures of the cards. I always like when I have the name of the owner. I feel my British colleagues are much better at being able to find the owner through registries, promotion lists, etc., but I am learning. Much of my headgear collection shows use. I prefer this since I feel they have more of a story. We (U.S.) do not often put our names in our headgear, likely because there is not anywhere to do so. (Our berets do not have linings) I cut the label tag out when I shape my berets. Now, the British maroon beret with the small crown is much smarter than ours, so I may purchase one of those instead in the future. When we shape ours, the loose fabric can hang down over your right ear. Again, I think not as smart looking.

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The following are three examples of Scots Guards Other Ranks Berets. (Issued and Private Purchase)

[Reid10]

[Reid10]

[Reid10]

I lean toward this being a private purchase beret. However, I have seen examples that look similar and were issued.

I should take all of my headgear, and do some online research, to create a guide for dating headgear. As Jerry B. said in this forum once, dating Glengarries is very difficult if they do not have a period badge (that was never take off), made from certain materials (leather band, all wool) or markings that provide a date. It can be very difficult to date headgear, which is why much of my collection has a date range. If it has a NSN, it is post 1970, but when exactly? If it is a TOS, you have to look for the size of the crown, material used, and the badge.

[Reid10]

Next I will post my headgear from the Scottish/Highland line infantry units. Some still need to be put into this format, so it might take a day or so.

[Reid10]

[Reid10]

I was at first leery of this Balmoral. The markings and badge were correct, but normally they have a black rosette. The Black Watch had a blue Balmoral with just the red hackle and no rosette. I thought someone added the badge at one time to a BW Balmoral, but the badge has been attached for a long time. Also, I had not heard of manufacturer MACPAK. However, I contacted some of my friends in Scotland that are dealers of British headgear and they confirmed the Balmoral was genuine. I hope to add the glengarry to my collection one day.

[Reid10]

This has an odd attachment for the badge. The backplate is correct and the lugs, but my other Highlanders TOS does not use metal clasps.

[Reid10]

There are several holes where the badge attaches, which might mean there was once a different badge. However, it is the right glengarry for The Highlanders and I do not know of other units that use a plain blue glengarry with a rosette and red toorie.