Levee Dress Sporrans

[Bigkahuna]

I was just wondering if it is proper to wear a military Levee Dress sporran with civilian formal wear?

[Good Egg]

There are no rules, but there are conventions. Historically speaking the conventions would say no, but we've moved on and I now think the answer is: Yes. but as with wearing any military kit be aware that many people feel that it is in bad taste to wear badges that you are not entitled to and may upset those who feel that they are entitled.

For example I confess I would be irritated to see some one, who had no connection to the regiment, wearing a London Scottish sporran. On the other hand I doubt if anyone would be upset if you were to wear an 1857 badger headed sporran of the Argyle Fencible Volunteers.

[JSFMACLJR]

I was just wondering if it is proper to wear a military Levee Dress sporran with civilian formal wear?

Were you an officer in that regiment? If so, I would think it fine.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Were you an officer in that regiment? If so, I would think it fine.

This seems to be the general consensus regarding the wearing of full dress/levee dress sporrans, sgian dubhs, and dirks. The attitude softens somewhat regarding sgian dubhs and dirks if they are family heirlooms (grandfather went over the top with the Argylls...) or from regiments/units that no longer exist. (The Glasgow Bicycle Corps being an example.)

My personal view is that these items are now pretty much in the collectible category, and I'd advise against any use that might damage them. If you want a levee style sporran you could always have one made, and the cost would be about the same as buying an antique sporran at auction.

But more to the point of your question, a levee sporran would look fine worn with evening dress, however it would depend very much on the occasion. It would probably be OTT at a burns supper, but right at home at a Tartan Ball or St. Andrew's Day Dinner. It is definitely not an item for day wear, unless you are attending a levee.