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  1. #1
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    Furr sporran = full-dress sporran ?

    Hi all !
    Just the other day, I happened to open a box... and there it was. My auntie's mink bonnet ! I immediately thaught it was the sings of time : This should be transformed into a nice, awesome evening sporran.
    But then this existential question came to me: what "makes" an evening full dress sporran ? Is it the cantle ?
    Thank you for your advice and counsel.

    Robert
    Robert Amyot-MacKinnon

  2. #2
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    Look at L&M 's offerings to give you an idea. I have the beaver but because i love the feel I'l wear it anytime. To me the cantle is what makes it "formal". You could get a formal leather sporran an cover the front with mink. Ebay occasionally has just the cantles.

  3. #3
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    Hello Robert,

    Here's some more links that might help you:

    http://sporrans.net/sporrans_cantles.htm

    http://sporrans.net/sporrans_tassels.htm

    http://www.clanart.net/

    Can't wait to see what you come up with!
    [SIZE="2"][FONT="Georgia"][COLOR="DarkGreen"][B][I]T. E. ("TERRY") HOLMES[/I][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]
    [SIZE="1"][FONT="Georgia"][COLOR="DarkGreen"][B][I]proud descendant of the McReynolds/MacRanalds of Ulster & Keppoch, Somerled & Robert the Bruce.[/SIZE]
    [SIZE="1"]"Ah, here comes the Bold Highlander. No @rse in his breeks but too proud to tug his forelock..." Rob Roy (1995)[/I][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]

  4. #4
    M. A. C. Newsome is offline
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    It is really a combination of things. I'll post a few pics for clarification. All of these can be purchased through the Scottish Tartans Museum gift shop:
    http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/sporran.html

    First, here is an example of a fairly typical "day" sporran:

    All leather, no fur. Leather flap for a closure.

    Now, here is an example of a fairly typical "evening" or formal sporran:

    Fur body (in this case white), round metal cantle.

    Is it the fur or the metal cantle that makes it formal? Well, here is a sporran with a round metal cantle, and a leather body:

    I would class this as semi-formal. No, it's not as formal as the white fur one pictured above, but it is by no means casual. I would feel comfortable wearing this with a black Argyle jacket and long neck tie. I'd also say it would go well with a Prince Charlie and bow tie if one were looking for a non-fur sporran option.

    Does it work as well the other way 'round? In other words, what about a fur sporran with a plain leather flap closure, like this one:
    http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/DSCF1130_038.jpg
    I don't think this works as a formal sporran. Leaving aside the fact that the use of brown leather makes it more suited for casual, I think even if we imagined this style with white fur and black leather, it still would not be as formal as the non-fur, metal cantle variety pictured above.

    So it would seem to be the metal cantle that is most key in defining a "formal" vs. "casual" sporran. But that's really not a cut and dry rule. What would you say to a sporran like this?

    It's fur. And it has a leather cantle. But the cantle is a round one, in the same shape and style as the metal formal cantles; itis not a simple flap. I'd say this one would work perfectly well for formal wear, even black tie. But because of the lack of metal shinies ("bling") I think one could also get by with wearing it with a more dress-casual look.

    And what about this:

    Full mask sporrans can be worn either as formal or casual wear (again, when I say casual, I mean dress-casual day wear, not ultra-casual sandals and t-shirt mode).

    And what about this:

    This is the Duin uassal from the Ferguson Britt line, in black leather. I call this one the "only sporran you ever have to own." I say that not only because the construction on it will last a lifetime, but because I think this is equally suited to be both a very nice daywear sporran (because it has no fur, and no metal), but also a nice understated evening sporran (because of the style of the sporran cantle and body, the elegence of the look, the quality black leather, and quality construction). Perfect!

    So what defines a formal sporran v. a casual sporran? It's a number of things in combination, really, and there are many styles of sporran that can readily be pressed into double duty if needs be. Thus concludes this photo essay!

    ~M

  5. #5
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    Thanks Matt, excellent review of the subject!

  6. #6
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    Yes Thank You Matt. So Many Choices. Great Overview!

  7. #7
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    Excellent Matt, that was really brilliant. Thanks to you all we are becoming experts.

    Best,
    Robert
    Robert Amyot-MacKinnon

  8. #8
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    Matt, I also think you did a very good job in explaining where each type would fit in. I do have one question. What about the style similer to the day sporran but with a fur front? Would you classify that as casual evening or ???

    Thanks.

  9. #9
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    Matt,

    I've browsed your store many times, and can't believe I've never seen the Ferguson Britt sporrans. The one's with the leather cantles are spectacular, I especially like the one you've pictured and the natural beaver. Wow! As Turpin's brother I may have to be very sneaky about ordering one. I'm starting to plot (and jones).
    Animo non astutia

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by McFarkus View Post
    Matt,

    I've browsed your store many times, and can't believe I've never seen the Ferguson Britt sporrans. The one's with the leather cantles are spectacular, I especially like the one you've pictured and the natural beaver. Wow! As Turpin's brother I may have to be very sneaky about ordering one. I'm starting to plot (and jones).
    You can plot, but you can't hide, Mr. McFarkus. You'll never beat the price I gave you, though.

    I want one of those too! So beautiful!
    Convener, Georgia Chapter, House of Gordon (Boss H.O.G.)

    Where 4 Scotsmen gather there'll usually be a fifth.
    7/5 of the world's population have a difficult time with fractions.

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