Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original British Scots Guards piper’s feather bonnet, named inside to W. LEY and displaying the distinctive high-profile feather construction associated with Scottish military pipe bands. The bonnet retains its Scots Guards badge, diced lower band, plume, black side tail, original leather sweatband, red rayon lining, and leather chinstrap, with an approximate size of 7.

The Scots Guards (SG) is the regiment of Foot Guards of Scotland, and one of the five foot guard regiments of the British Army. Its origins are as the personal bodyguard of King Charles I of England and Scotland. Its lineage can be traced back to 1642 in the Kingdom of Scotland, although it was only placed on the English Establishment in 1686.

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 example was worn by a member of the Scots Guards with a correct badge to the left side and long blue feather plume attached over it. The bonnet has the usual wool white and blue "diced" checkerboard around the bottom band, with a black "tail" on the side. The frame of the bonnet is constructed of wire which is wrapped in cotton. There is no size marking but it is roughly 7.

The leather sweatband is intact, inscribed with the name W. LEY, a good research project. There is some wear, but the red rayon lining and leather chinstrap are retained.

This is a lovely Scots Guards feather bonnet, The important original components remain present, including the Scots Guards badge, plume, diced band, black tail, internal frame, red lining, leather sweatband, and W. Ley inscription.

With its named W. LEY sweatband, Scots Guards insignia, tall feathered construction, surviving plume, diced lower band, red rayon lining, and original chinstrap, this is an attractive and historically interesting example of the ceremonial headdress traditionally worn by Scots Guards pipers.for display.