Original Item: Only One Available. Known as the Balmoral bonnet in Scottish English or Balmoral cap otherwise, and formerly called the Kilmarnock bonnet, this design is a traditional Scottish hat that can be worn as part of formal or informal Highland dress. Developed from the earlier blue bonnet, dating to at least the 16th century, it takes the form of a knitted, soft wool cap with a flat crown. The center of the crown features a toorie, traditionally red. It is named after Balmoral Castle, a royal residence in Scotland. It is an alternative to the similar and related (informal) Tam o' Shanter cap and the (formal or informal) Glengarry bonnet.

The Balmoral bonnet was used by most highland regiments until supplanted by the Glengarry Bonnet side cap. The Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment however retained the Balmoral Bonnet.

This example is in good condition, though it does show wear consistent with long service, both inside and out. It has the correct red and white "diced" checkerboard pattern around the bottom, with a black rosette on the front. Attached to the rosette is the Regimental Badge of the The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) is which features a "King's Crown", indicating issue before 1952. The bonnet itself however is dated 1961, so the soldier who used it most likely had to replace the bonnet after receiving the badge.

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.

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