Code: 58429
A very good WW1 Scottish Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Uniform attributed to Private William Thomson with service number S/2170.
The Uniform consists of Private Thomson’s WW1 Tam-O-Shanter, 1902 Pattern Doublet Tunic and Kilt.
Issued from 1916 onwards, the Tam-O-Shanter is of the standard WW1 pattern for enlisted men with all the tell tale signs one wants to see in such an issue, the quilted lining has double rows of stitching, and there are twin sets of double eyelets for adjustment to the rear, these done up with puttee tape.
To the left front the Tam has a good Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders cap badge affixed straight to the Tam, this a typical WW1 feature. Any markings to the inside have now worn away however there are remnants of Thomson's service details written in indelible pencil still partly legible. I can make out the last letter “N” of Thomson’s faded name, above “A.S.H” for Argyll and Sutherland highlanders.
The Tam is in very good service used condition with no moth.
The Doublet is again absolutely standard for WW1 Issue. It is a 1902 Pattern Tunic which has been regimentally altered to have the front skirts traditionally curved for wear with a kilt. This alteration has been very nicely done. It has brass AS&H regimental shoulder titles on the epaulettes with no other holes behind, and the classic WW1 features of an off white/cream cotton lining with twin dart seams below the collar.
Inside, lower left as viewed, there are the remnants of a WW1 type War Department inspection stamp on the lining, this is mostly illegible but the number “10” can just about be made out above the WD’s arrow. On upper right as viewed is Thomson’s service number S2170 regimentally stamped. The ink on the stamp is blurred making it look like “82170” but it actually reads S2170. In WW1 there was no Army wide unified service number designations, each regiment had their own individual system. There is no five figure service number beginning with “8” for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in WW1, however there are some four and five service number combinations beginning with the letter “S”. This was unique to WW1 Argyll and Sutherland service numbers and indicated a war volunteer serving in a Service battalion. The number 2170 indicates Thomson volunteered for service in early August 1914.
The Doublet Tunic is in very good service used condition with no moth.
Thomson’s Kilt is a standard WW1 issue type made of the regiment’s coarse Government tartan. It has an off white blanket lining to the top with to each side adjustment straps and buckles added or replaced by Thomson. There are no visible markings.
It is for the most part in good condition however there is moth damage and patching to the front skirt which a just visible in the images.
A difficult WW1 uniform to source.
