I just found a used copy of this book, published in London & NY by Octopus Books in 1972. Had seen copies before, but now I own one. This book has some really neat contemporary illustrations of early Kilts. One that intrigues me is the painting of the McDonald Children by Jeremiah Davison[p. 40 if you have the book] . I have seen this dated ca. 1750, but wasn't tartan proscribed by then? The clothing looks of our period, and the little kilt is interesting. On p. 29 is a swatch of what's called Culloden tartan, close enough to see the weave and in full color. Supposedly this was worn by someone in Prince Charlie's suite during the campaign. Lots of good color shots of centemporary portraits.
     I noticed that a number of the swords in the paintings don't have the red liners in them. When did those come in? One was a portrait of the Duke of Perth.

Ted Yeatman  

The Proscription seems to have been pretty patchily applied ...date,area,social class,had the local garrison commander got a hangover?
                                                         As for the Basket liner..this only appears to become widespread from the 1780's onwards..about the time use of the Basket-hilt is pretty much restricted to Officers.
Steve