CHOICE WW1 Black Watch Royal Highlanders Tartan Silk Kilt Sporran 10K Brooch Pin

Description

BEFORE the war the Fifth Royal Highlanders of Canada were affiliated with the Black Watch. On the outbreak of hostilities a battalion of the Fifth was mobilised at Montreal in August, 1914. By the 25th of the month 1,004 recruits had been accepted, and on that day the battalion entrained for Valcartier. Here, when a division for overseas was being organised, the battalion became the 13th Canadian Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada.
On the 25th of September the battalion moved to Quebec and sailed for England on the troopship
Alaunia
, arriving there on October 16th. The winter months were spent in more training, and on the 10th of February, 1915, baggage was packed once more and the journey to France resumed. St. Nazaire was reached on the 16th. Four days later the battalion was inspected by Field Marshal Lord French
after which a march was made to Armentieres. On the 24th the battalion companies went into the trenches for the first time, relieving the Buffs.
The Black Watch is the most famous Scottish Regiment in British military history and the most highly decorated Regiment in the British Armed Forces.  They are Scotland's oldest, and best known Regiment, raised in the wake of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion.  During the First World War their fearsome reputation on the battlefield led them to acquire the nickname "Ladies from Hell", from the German soldiers who faced them in the trenches.
The Regiment's title "The Black Watch" was taken from their dark tartan, and their original role to "watch the Highlands". Although it was originally a nickname it was officially incorporated into the Regiment's name in 1881, which then became "the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)".  The Regimental motto is
Nemo me impune lacessit
- No Man Attacks Me With Impunity. (from Your Kilt website)
It was known as The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) from 1881 to 1931 and The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) from 1931 to 2006.
This is a RARE First World War period Black Watch officer's sweetheart brooch, in the form of a five tassled sporran and silk tartan kilt mounted on a 10K gold and enameled miniature cap badge.  These brooches were popular at the time and worn on the throat of a high necked blouse.
NOTE:  Two pins are available, first buyer has choice.  Appropriate images will be removed when items sell.
(1)  Mini cap badge pin over rifle.  Measures approximately 2" by 3/4".  Antique condition as shown.
(2)  Tartan silk sporran with 10K mini cap badge. M
easures approximately 4"  by 3" overall.  The cap badge measures approximately 1 1/4" by 1" and is unmarked but acid tests as 10K gold.   The badge shows light scratches, rubs, and finish consistent with age and previous wear.  The Badge and Sporran are in Very Good to Excellent good condition. The silk tartan is showing signs of honest, loving use and is starting to fray at the bottom front (see photos)
. Comes complete with original retailers' cardboard tartan box.
See photos.
Shipping is 1st Wednesday after payment from Watertown, NY.  Delivery is 2-4 business days later.