very old sporran on Ebay

[OC Richard]

Check this out! As I recall the seller says that this sporran is c1890, but the pattern is quite early, and very much resembles sporrans of the 1780-1820 period. The tricolour leather cones are quite typical of that early period.

So... is it indeed a 200 year old sporran, or a latter-day replica? The crudeness of the workmanship perhaps suggests a theatrical prop, and the eyelets/grommets suggest recent manufacture.

[artificer]

Very curious indeed, Richard.



I've definitely handled fewer antique sporrans than you, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the following areas (in addition to the grommets and crude manufacture you've already mentioned)

A) given the crudeness of some of the other work, the stitching in the highlighted area appears extremely nice and even.

B) VERY bad pattern consistency in the pinked trim. This is true for both the saddle brown area and the larger tan area below.

C) The purse-clasp closure on the sporran top. I've NEVER seen this on a sporran of any age. It makes me wonder if someone simply made a bag for an old set of purse-lips.

D) Given the very fine nature of the metalwork (if this were attempted by hand and not a later machine-made trim) the cantle trim (brown leather below the metal with the orangey-brown thread) seems gross and indelicate. Also, the seam running right through the center of the trim reads wrong to me.

I won't discuss the condition of the tassel hair, as that could be symptomatic of either poor care through the years, heavy wear, or a very shoddy job at hand-make. Without seeing them in person it's hard to say- ALTHOUGH I will say that I'd expect to see the most wear on the tassels that hang below the sporran (to get knocked about). This one appears to have the most wear on the RSF.

[Ryan Ross]

I agree... Something seems just... not right, with this bag. I noticed a few of the items Scott did, especially the clasp issue, and the stitching.

I'd vote that it's a prop of some kind, or a cobbled together job.

[mayberry]

The stitching at "A" looks very much like the stitching used to join pelts in a fur coat. The cantle looks like a re-purposed woman's purse clasp. Very interesting all around.
Cheers,
John

[MacGuffin]

This sporran seems a bit suspect, it is the clasp on the top that makes me think that this is more of a costume piece than anything. But then again I'm not an expert.

[Nylo]

Ive been sellng antiques for about 30 years and your sporran looks as if it use to be a ladies bag or cluch frame. A few have come through me from time to time. Sill, its nicely done, and looks good. Wish you had pix of the back as well.

Google "antique purses" select images only, and youll see what I mean.

My two cents,
Nylo

[Dram]

This "sporran" is dreadful.