Let's talk full dress sporrans

**Downunder Kilt** · 4th December 13, 05:57 PM

Great example of a hair sporran that can pass muster at a full formal, or day event

**Tony** · 4th December 13, 06:23 PM

I got this badger earlier this year from L&M.
It's just different enough to not be cookie cutter.

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**Nathan** · 4th December 13, 08:38 PM

Tony: Very nice badger and I like the red leather. L&M make fine sporrans. They're a good Nova Scotia company.

Orionson: It's on my bucket list for sure... All in good time.

**creagdhubh** · 5th December 13, 06:40 AM

Gorgeous sporran, Orionson! I recall the thread detailing your commission...and heirloom item indeed. Very smart, mate.

Slainte,

**OC Richard** · 5th December 13, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

And here's the new sporran... bonus question: Does anyone want to guess about it's provenance? Does it look like anyone's handiwork in particular?

That sporran was a standard model, called EW1, part of the traditional canon of sporran styles offered by a large number of different makers from the 1950s up to today.

I used to work at a Highland Outfitter and several different Scottish sporranmakers (including Wm Scott & Son) used the same catalogue, a tri-folded photo. Here's the page that shows your sporran

That standard cantle was made in four pieces, the three bosses being separate. It was silver plated and stamped 'Made in Scotland' on the side.

A large number of these sporranmakers got the hardware from the same makers.

In short, it could have been made by any one of a number of different makers.

These grey sealskin Evening sporrans with silver celtic top have been around since the early 20th century and have long been the classic Evening Dress sporran, here in 1936

I myself prefer the earlier look, the c1840-1930 style of long goathair sporran, here with a c1900 cantle

**creagdhubh** · 5th December 13, 08:15 AM

Wonderful information, Richard!

Cheers,

**Nathan** · 5th December 13, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

In short, it could have been made by any one of a number of different makers.

I knew it was a standard pattern sporran, but thanks for the informative post! I was hoping the choice of grey leather for the gusset as opposed to the usual black (or sometimes red) might lend a clue to a particular maker. Not that it matters.

I find the look of the silver plate is quite nice when compared to the chrome on my other full dress sporrans. I imagine sterling is that much nicer.

I really like your goat hair sporran although when I get my dream sporran there will likely be tassels. I think I like the idea of having an understated yet classic sporran for those occasions when I'll be the only one in Highland attire. I would like a one of a kind piece for those occasions when everyone is out in their Highland finery and I want to stand out among the pack.

**CMcG** · 5th December 13, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

... I think I like the idea of having an understated yet classic sporran for those occasions when I'll be the only one in Highland attire. I would like a one of a kind piece for those occasions when everyone is out in their Highland finery and I want to stand out among the pack.

IMHO, these are extremely important considerations for anyone who would like to wear their kilt in a wide variety of situations!

**creagdhubh** · 5th December 13, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

IMHO, these are extremely important considerations for anyone who would like to wear their kilt in a wide variety of situations!

I couldn't agree more.

**Nathan** · 5th December 13, 06:46 PM

Alright, so there has to be an anti hair sporran demographic out there among the rabble. I could swear I've seen it mentioned before on here that outside of a military context they are costume-like. The thing is, I can't remember who put forth that opinion. Where are you hiding?

*stirs the pot*