Opinion Sought (Sporran)

[OC Richard]

Some photos to ponder...

Here's Black Watch worn by the actual Black Watch with white sporrans

[WillowEstate]

Some photos to ponder...

Here's Black Watch worn by the actual Black Watch with white sporrans

In the military, these sporrans are often referred to as "The hated white bag"! They were introduced, I believe, as a more practical alternative to a full hair sporran. The white is actually "Blanco" painted heavily on to brushed pigskin.

I think your photograph makes the point, though, that white is a bit overwhelming.

Flavia, as to your question, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to check out some of the cheaper dress suppliers, Heritage of Scotland is one I've used but there are many on the web in most countries, Google is your friend. You will find sporrans ranging from around $30 up to several hundred dollars.

As others have said, it depends where you want to wear the sporran, a plain black or brown leather, optionally with leather tassels, is most suitable for everyday wear, while a full dress sporran with a silver (coloured) cantle and a fur bag (goat is quite attractive) with some silver (coloured) adornments is more appropriate for evening wear. If you want just one sporran, you might consider a semi-dress, which typically will have the same basic construction as the day sporrans but with a silver (coloured) emblem on the flap and maybe some silver tipped tassels. They are available in both plain leather and hide but I prefer the leather ones.

Your mileage may vary!

[Downunder Kilt]

In the military, these sporrans are often referred to as "The hated white bag"! They were introduced, I believe, as a more practical alternative to a full hair sporran. The white is actually "Blanco" painted heavily on to brushed pigskin.

Actually WillowEstate, I think you will find that those sporrans were introduced as a stopgap measure for HM Queen Elizabeths Coronation in 1953. At the time the Highland Regiments were still suffering uniform shortages after WW2. In order that there was uniformity amongst the ranks for their coronation functions, this sporran was developed and issued, in lieu of trying to accomodate the different styles of of hair sporrans of the highland regiments

[TheOfficialBren]

Actually WillowEstate, I think you will find that those sporrans were introduced as a stopgap measure for HM Queen Elizabeths Coronation in 1953. At the time the Highland Regiments were still suffering uniform shortages after WW2. In order that there was uniformity amongst the ranks for their coronation functions, this sporran was developed and issued, in lieu of trying to accomodate the different styles of of hair sporrans of the highland regiments

Given the correct application they look sharp. Sometimes under pressure creative solutions are at their most brilliant.

[OC Richard]

I tried to find photos of Black Watch kilts being worn with various colours of sporrans, but couldn't.

Black Watch looks great with brown leather "day" sporrans, black leather "day" sporrans, with grey seal "evening" sporrans, with white fur "evening" sporrans, you get the idea... pretty much any kind of sporran. In short, you really can't go wrong!

[WillowEstate]

Actually WillowEstate, I think you will find that those sporrans were introduced as a stopgap measure for HM Queen Elizabeths Coronation in 1953. At the time the Highland Regiments were still suffering uniform shortages after WW2. In order that there was uniformity amongst the ranks for their coronation functions, this sporran was developed and issued, in lieu of trying to accomodate the different styles of of hair sporrans of the highland regiments

Thanks for the insight, I learned something new so it's a good day!

Actually, I have one of these sporrans, can't remember when I picked it up but they are indeed quite dreadful, which would confirm their austerity origins. The blanco on the one I have had cracked horribly, so I brushed it all off with a stiff brush and discovered the brushed pigskin underneath. Still doesn't look good though and any contents snag on the badge on the front, which just has a couple of metal loops pushed through the front face and held in place with a split pin behind.

The cantle is in reasonable condition, though, so maybe I should read the DIY section! Being brass, it needs polishing every time it's worn.

[TheOfficialBren]

Lol. "The hated bag," indeed!

You have to give them a break, though. Britain was BROKE, BROKE, BROKE at the end of the war and for their first outing at HM coronation I'm sure that they looked fine on the low-resolution televisions and pohotographs of the era.
With that said I much, much, much prefer the standard MOD day sporrans over the white ones. Simple and elegant. Functional and understated.

My vote is for either a brown or black day sporran.


WE: I imagine that it is tempting to re-purpose the cantle on another sporran.

[Downunder Kilt]

Thanks for the insight, I learned something new so it's a good day!

Actually, I have one of these sporrans, can't remember when I picked it up but they are indeed quite dreadful, which would confirm their austerity origins. The blanco on the one I have had cracked horribly, so I brushed it all off with a stiff brush and discovered the brushed pigskin underneath. Still doesn't look good though and any contents snag on the badge on the front, which just has a couple of metal loops pushed through the front face and held in place with a split pin behind.

The cantle is in reasonable condition, though, so maybe I should read the DIY section! Being brass, it needs polishing every time it's worn.

Having a cantle from each of the versions from this series of MoD sporrans, some with the original bags, I can assure you Sav that they are very popular, often going for GBP130.00+ on ebay. Artificer, the master sporran maker on this forum, has designed and made many bags for this type of cantle. Several other members have also created excellent bags to their own design. A search of the forum should yield you good results.
Good luck on your project

[Flavia]

You are probably correct, Carlo. It isn't called Davidson Dress, however, but a fashion tartan designed for a very particular wedding 'dress'. There are no copyrights that say you can't choose to have that one specially woven for your husband, Flavia, but it was designed by a groom for his bride. Just so you know.

Yes, I gathered that it was, but it certainly seems to be registered with the proper authority & the clan website also lists it.

http://www.clandavidsonusa.com/wp-co...ide-w-Text.jpg

[ThistleDown]

That's the US clan association website, Flavia, but you're right, it does list it as Davidson Bride. It is registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority as Davidson - 1998 (Wedding) (Personal) and with the Scottish Register of Tartans as Davidson (Wedding). I just didn't want you ordering an expensive kilt length for your husband without knowing that it was designed for a particular woman and no more a clan tartan than is the Harley Davidson.