A new sporran for Jock?

[JSFMACLJR]

That, my friend, is THE garter. Not to be confused with A garter.



I believe that's HRH Princess Margaret.

David

Correct...it is HRH The Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon

[piperdbh]

That, my friend, is THE garter. Not to be confused with A garter.

I believe that's HRH Princess Margaret.

David

Thanks, neighbor, and you too, Sandy.

David, I don't see Mel in the picture.

[ThistleDown]

I believe that's HRH Princess Margaret.David

Yes, the late Princess Margaret.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Here's a photo of HRH Prince Charles wearing a non-fur dress sporran in 1975. It appears to be white "doeskin", very similar to what Sandy has suggested.



David

HRH Richard, Duke of Gloucester; HRH Princess Margret, Countess of Snowdon; HRH Charles, Prince of Wales; HM The Queen; HM Carl Gustav, King of Sweden; HM The Queen Mother; HMRH Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg; HRH Silvia, The Queen of Sweden; HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

All of which brings me to the subject of sporrans (and black bow ties).

About the black bow ties worn by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh-- they are properly dressed in the "Windsor" uniform particular to the Royal Family even though they are hosting a white tie dinner at (presumably) Windsor castle.

Now Jock, about your sporran: I'd suggest you do a "McNab"-- salmon skin for the strap, stag skin for the bag, stag tines for the tassels (one of which should be a dog whistle), and the cantle engraved to match the sidelocks of your favorite gun.

Seems to me that's the kind of sporran you'd never seen worn by a townie.

[Downunder Kilt]

MOR. It is also pleasing to see that they are wearing, what I believe to be, their kilts and hose at the correct heights

[Micric]

M.O.R,

I do believe you are on the right track with your suggestions for Jock's sporran!

Jock,
You need to get Ken Hunt to engrave the cantle!!.......odd grouse, a stag,..... deer pony... rusty old stalker....

or, if you think you're slowing down a bit, how about Tortoise shell?!?! :-)

[xman]

Now Jock, about your sporran: I'd suggest you do a "McNab"-- salmon skin for the strap, stag skin for the bag, stag tines for the tassels (one of which should be a dog whistle), and the cantle engraved to match the sidelocks of your favorite gun.

[Jock Scot]

M. o. R..

I just knew I could rely on you for HELPFUL suggestions!

[BoldHighlander]

Alright then chaps time for me to glean an idea,or fifty, from you chaps with up to date ideas.

I am looking for a formal(dress) sporran for evening wear. BUT I don't want fur,or hair of any kind(I have gone off fur). I am happy with leather though and it will need to be along fairly traditional lines. I think a silver cantle will be required too. So all ideas and pictures will be very welcome. Designs are welcome, as I am happy to have the one I like made and of course credit will be given to the designer.

Jock,

when I think of you, what I envision you wearing is something that is not ostentatious, but harkens back to a more simple, traditional time. For the cantle I can see either utilizing or replicating a vintage style.

Though a bit "fancier" than I imagine for this project, I could see something like this vintage cantle:


however, what I very well envision you utilizing is the 1953 MOD "Culloden" cantle or a silver copy of it (bottom right cantle):


for the sporran itself, my first thought ran along the lines of Matt's thinking of sting ray:


however I do like the simplicity & vintage style of the elk/deer hide bags like these Ferguson Britt's:



either would be very nice matched up with the 1953 "Culloden" style cantle.

Another consideration, that would look nice in black leather, would be one inspired by this worn by the Duke of Rothesay (note the cantle closely resembles the 1953 MOD "Culloden"):


Finally, to inspire you further I'd like to include this bit of art by James Drummond of original early sporrans (note that 4 of the 5 illustrated are leather rather than fur):

[Woodsheal]

The first two are not "in the style of", Brian. The first was made in Glasgow 1912 and the middle is probably 1850-1870. The bottom one appears to have an 18C sterling cantle but in that case the bag must have been remade in the 20C -- perhaps using the original as a pattern -- because this is not old leather. All are privately owned. In terms of value I've no idea about the last two but the first one was purchased recently (2008 or 2009?) at about USD2000. I suggest Ian Grant and other Scots silversmiths would charge twice or more to make it today.

Just three entirely different ideas for Jock, all with silver cantles.

Rex

I figured that re: the first two, but I was hoping that the 18th C. one was a reproduction that someone was still making (with affordable brass cantles!)....