Leg Garter

[Sir Michael Geare]

Does anyone know where I can get a leg garter?  I play a member of the Knights Garter and would like to get one to complete the character.  Thanks.

[DonaCatalina]

http://www.quarterdeckmilitaria.com.au/products.php?cID=18

Yoiu would probably be better off getting someone at a local embroidery shop to make the ribbon on blue velvet.

[Rowan MacD]

  Exactly what are you looking for?   Please describe. 
   

"Prince Albert's Garter was made in 1840 and was worn by the Knights beneath the left knee and by the Ladies above the Elbow. The Garter's motto 'Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense' is set in diamonds on dark-blue velvet, and the buckle is set with one small and seven large brilliants. "

If so, a strip of dark blue velvet and a bedazzler would save some cash.

  The 'Order of the Garter' that I am familiar with is more a collar or necklace....

[DonaCatalina]

What he is literally the leg garter that was the original insignia for the order.
See the garter in the upper left corner of this presentation set.

[Rowan MacD]

  Thanks Dona, I had only noticed the collar version at faire, I was not aware there was an actual 'garter' in use.

Is that set for sale?

[DonaCatalina]

http://www.justmedals.com/PRODUCT/

I believe you would have to call them and ask. Some of their items are not sold to the public.

[Rowan MacD]

http://www.justmedals.com/PRODUCT/

I believe you would have to call them and ask. Some of their items are not sold to the public.

It would not surprise me if retail copies of the garter are not for sale anywhere, since it is still a current honor being awarded by QEII and might fall under a  'no copy'  rule.   
  I will have to ask the lady who does the embroidery for our Clan badges and regalia if it's OK to reproduce it, she would know.
   This is an interesting topic ^_^.

[Kate XXXXXX]

It does.  And yes, the garter is still worn.  A 'Garter Knight' is a member of The Order of The Garter.  The garter is worn with knee breeches as part of full court dress for such events as the Opening of Parliament, unless one is wearing full dress military uniform, which ALWAYS takes precedence in the matter of dress.  Uniform is always correct dress for court.

[Rowan MacD]

  Thanks Kate, 
   So no copies whatsoever?

   I did find a picture of an 18th century extant garter with the correct motto, but it looks nothing like the award used nowdays.   Just a blueish/violet tape embroidered with a motto.  No buckle on it now, and it looks like it was once tied on...
   Here is a jeweled version
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/imagenes_sociopol/garter03_01.jpg