making a small start

[Mike_Oettle]

The cry on X Marks is constantly “Show us your pics,” but for several months I have been unable to take any.
Not much to show even now, but for starters, here is my regimental bonnet badge:

The badge shows the crest (a hawk preying on a heron) of the Duke of Montrose, Chief of Clan Graham. The father of the present duke became honorary colonel of First City, the Grahamstown regiment, in the late 1930s.
He accepted the invitation on condition that the entire regiment went into kilts (until 1913 there had been a Highland company).
He gave a good deal of advice on Highland wear, and insisted that his crest be the bonnet badge. However, he said the regiment should retain its traditional collar badge and motto. The motto, Expecto, can be seen below the crest.
The original badge was shown with a strap and buckle, but since this is a clansman’s badge, this was changed for a wreath of foliage.

Next, a picture of the pelt from which I will be having a sporran made:

This is the skin of a caracal (Caracal melanotis), also known as a rooikat. It is found across Africa (although not in desert regions or rain forests) as well as in Arabia (not in the central areas), and marginally into Central Asia.
I particularly like the russet that marks the animal’s backbone, and the white of the belly (at the edge of the pelt.
Regards,
Mike

[azwildcat96]

Mike, I think the cat skin will make a great sporran. To me, as a hunter, one of the most exciting thing about highland attire is the vast incorporation of animals and in particular game, from wool to leathers, and furs to feathers, in all aspects of the clothing and accessories.

[artificer]

WOW! That is a gorgeous pelt! Quite unusual (at least to this American's eye).

Very nice badge as well.

[Tartan Tess]

Wow, no small start in my opinion.
First off, that pelt is awesome, and I googled a "rooikat" just because I had never heard of one. What a cool animal! He has ears and tufts that put our lynx to shame.
Please post pictures of that sporran when it is done.
I love the bonnet badge. Great stuff. Thank you for posting

[Downunder Kilt]

Great pics Mike, that pelt will surely make a beautiful sporran. What are the styles of sporran you are considering having it made into?

[Cygnus]

Off to an incredible start, if I may say so!

I'm especially fond of the regimental cap badge. Is that the same as the crest of Clan Graham? I'd always thought it was a hawk preying on a swan.

Now, when can we expect to see a kilt?

[ThistleDown]

Zuper pics, Mike. I, too, am interested in the form your proposed sporran will take. Obviously the spine will be the spine of the sporran, but how do you envision the cantle? I'm just shaking my head at the possibilities.

Rex

[NewEnglander]

Sorry to say I don't have the same excitement about your future sporran. In a former life I worked at an animal sanctuary and had the pleasure of taking care of a caracal. One of his favorite games was "pounce on the hippie". He'd crouch down, lash his tail, spring and wrap himself around my legs. A bit startling, every time...

[Santa Kona]

Nice pelt I have never heard of a rooikat.

[MacBean]

I am thinking that the spotted side of the pelt should be visible at the periphery of the sporran. Otherwise, it may lack some of the cat-like character. Or possibly spotted fur tassels?