Sporrans without any Capacity

**azwildcat96** · 16th February 11, 10:44 PM

I've recently noticed a few sporrans that are purely decorative, meaning that there is no pouch or pocket to carry anything in the sporran. So basically a metal cantle, fur or hair front, and leather back only. They appear to be for decoration rather than function? How common is this? What are the opinions on this style of sporran?

**Zardoz** · 16th February 11, 11:04 PM

Well I've seen a few of the big horsehair sporrans that don't have a pouch, and are as you say, purely for decoration. But they common as part of band uniforms, not for regular wear.

If you look at this site; http://www.landmhighland.com/default...&pcat=1&ptyp=8 you'll see that they only have one or two of the horsehair types with a pouch.

**Spartan Tartan** · 17th February 11, 04:36 AM

Maybe I haven't looked closely enough, but I can't imagine having a sporran that was NOT functional as well.

**Father Bill** · 17th February 11, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

Maybe I haven't looked closely enough, but I can't imagine having a sporran that was NOT functional as well.

Kind of obviates the original purpose now, doesn't it.

**RockyR** · 17th February 11, 06:13 AM

I never saw much of a point to a sporran without a pouch. The 'pouchless' sporrans I've seen have always been horsehair and are very uncommon. I know that L & M charges a few dollars LESS for them without a pouch though.

**Spartan Tartan** · 17th February 11, 06:31 AM

Father Bill--Exactly! Without a pouch you have the look, but you still do NOT have any pockets!! Where would you put your keys, money, phone, etc...?

**auld argonian** · 17th February 11, 06:40 AM

One of the reasons why I love a jacket with at least four functional pockets...two on the outside and two on the inside...my dress sporran doesn't hold very much at all. You also find that you strip down to the absolute minimum: just a car key and a front door key, a very flat wallet like a front-pocket wallet and the driver's license and one debit card (also your auto insurance card if you're in Illinois...)....couple of bucks for the coat check and valet parkers. If you were going formal or even moderately dressy, you'd probably strip down to the basics anyway just so you don't have that "George Costanza" bulging wallet ruining the line of your suit.

Nice to have the option of having the wee knifey in the sock top, though as I just cannot leave the house without at least one blade on my person...that has become sort of a superstition for me.

Best

AA

**SlackerDrummer** · 17th February 11, 06:58 AM

I think you guys are overlooking the obvious that the average soldier of yesteryear would not have had any personal effects to carry in a sporran. Pen and paper could (and probably would by most of us) be carried in a coat pocket. A cartridge box on the belt would have held what he really needed. The sporran didn't need to be anything more than decorative.

**Father Bill** · 17th February 11, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

... the average soldier of yesteryear would not have had any personal effects to carry in a sporran.

The sporran didn't need to be anything more than decorative.

Absolutely right, SD! I'm just not a soldier, I'm not from yesteryear, and I'm far too weird to be considered average.