So I have continued thinking about and researching what you guys have said about the tartan, and I have yet to dig up any concrete evidence. The best I have found so far is this graphic which I posted a few days ago, which at least appears to show a tartan, dated 1768, that is close to the more "washed out" pallet that you guys have mentioned. Here is the graphic again below:
To me, as much as is shown in this image, it appears to be very similar in color and pattern to the example that
@kansas_volunteer posted a while back. The top example pictured below:
Now, if you gentlemen are correct, and this is the proper color/pattern of tartan to be wearing for a late 1750's Black Watch representation, I have a dilemma. Having the exact tartan made would be extremely expensive, as
@kansas_volunteer previously stated. I have been looking at some of the "weathered" and "ancient" Black Watch patterns available to try to imitate it and all of them just seem a bit off. Below is an example of a "Black Watch Weathered", which to me is showing a tone that is far too brown:
Admittedly, I could be wrong on this and it may just be the lighting of the two pictures making them look that much different. Also, just for reference the above picture is a wool blend available on etsy.
So this all had me thinking. If you guys are correct and I need to go with the more washed out looking tartan, what is my best option here? Do I go with the "weathered" tartan that appears far more olive/brown to me. OR should I go with the standard "full color" Black Watch tartan and then leave it out in the sun to fade to the desired color? It seems to me like fading the standard Black Watch would end up closer to the original example posted than this "weathered" version is. So far these are the only options I have come up with if I decide to go with the tartan you gents have said is correct. Thoughts would be appreciated.