"Old Sporran" on eBay, yikes, 1700s?

[ForresterModern]

With a "pouch" size of 3x5 inches, as stated, it appears to more likely represent some form of belt pouch rather than a true sporran, and the belt loops on the back appear big enough to accommodate a deceent sized belt. Would be interesting to see a close up of the pattern of the metal "festoons". Also having trouble with the triangular section of the front of the pouch that seems to echo a similar sized triangle on the flap in the same location--- I was trying to make it some form of closure device but cannot.

Age is truly indeterminate unless there are experts out there who can match it with similar items from a specific era.

Kind of interesting, but not really up my alley.

[artificer]

It's certainly a new one on me.

It does look old, but it doesn't look 300 years old. If I were seriously considering a purchase of this type (as an historic acquisition) I'd demand some form of documentation.

Pix of the GI in question holding it, some sort of written documentation - a letter from the GI or the Scottish family in question mentioning it, SOMETHING.

I'd like to see much larger pix, and far more of them. If this is a supposed antiquity, let's SEE it. a 5x7" pic is too small to see anything shifty on.

I also question the seller themselves. With a score of 2 on eBay they haven't exactly established a ton of credibility yet, ESPECIALLY where something of this supposed vintage is concerned.

On a simple "style analysis" of the piece, I find it difficult to believe that this would be a sporran. It's just too massively bulky with very little storage- 3x5". All those braids would make it a pain to use regularly.

It MAY be that old, but I doubt it was a sporran. Maybe a small bag for mounting on a horse's tack. The tassels would have a nice swing as the animal trotted along.

ith:

[artificer]

Well, the seller dropped their reserve and the piece sold for $113US.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300654659250...84.m1423.l2649

Do did an historical treasure just sell for a pittance, or did someone buy a 40 year old "hippy sack" for way too much money?

ith:

[longhuntr74]

Reminds me of many items I've seen produced in Afghanistan or Pakistan and for sale as antiques/relics at the traveling bazaars while I was deployed there. I'd guess that it originates from somewhere in that part of the world and was a belt pouch or purse of some sort...but I definitely wouldn't call it a "sporran." It is completely plausible that it was brought back to Scotland by a member of the commonwealth forces serving in India/Pakistan in the 1800s or early 1900s.

[Jack Daw]

It reads like a 30-minute infomercial, but with more bunk and balderdash.

[Dram]

This looks like a sporran the Predator would wear.

[Kilted Cole]

its part of Cathulu

[artificer]

Apparently it didn't even clear the lowered reserve. Here it is again!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300657500578...84.m1423.l2661

Now listed as "possibly from the 1800's" and with the following addition:

"This item has created quite a stir. I have had numerous inquires from experts to armchair historians in Scottish memorbilla. Some have stated that the style is not indicative of the 17th century and it probably would not have survived more than 100 years. As stated in the discription, I am not a historian and cannot gaurantee the authenticity, however I have represented the item to best of my knowledge."

Reminds me of many items I've seen produced in Afghanistan or Pakistan and for sale as antiques/relics at the traveling bazaars while I was deployed there. I'd guess that it originates from somewhere in that part of the world and was a belt pouch or purse of some sort...but I definitely wouldn't call it a "sporran." It is completely plausible that it was brought back to Scotland by a member of the commonwealth forces serving in India/Pakistan in the 1800s or early 1900s.

You might be on to something here. The shaped tack/studs do have a very Middle Eastern/Western Asian look to them, and goodness knows the Highland Regiments spent a fair bit of time in Pakistan and India.

ith:

[Taygrd]

Looks like a possibles bag for BP shooters, or because of the dread locks a Jamacian purse

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

It looks North African, possibly Moroccan, or perhaps Sudanese... however, without actually seeing it...