Fancy sporran chain

[DavidM]

I have seen a few shops online that sell sporran chains that are more than the usual chain-mail (?) type that you get with most sporrans. Does anyone have any suggestions where to shop for a, shall I say, reasonably priced 'fancy' chain?
Slainte

[brewerpaul]

There are some very nice ones I have looked at but stayed away from for one reason, kilt snag. I'm sure others can add to this but the more metal and connections you have the more chance you have for snag. I use larger than my waist 1 inch belts for my sporrans including my nicer ones. I do have one sporran I have a chain for but wear it rarely. Just my two cents.

[MacCathmhaoil]

Stay away from the fancy ones with cast metal pieces or those that have either a rough finish or links that are not welded shut. Think chain saw action! Better to use a purpose made strap with beveled or rounded edges. If you must have chain, I would suggest what I have done and that is to buy a 24" long heavy sterling silver chain that you'd wear around your neck and have a jeweller make the necessary alterations.

[Todd Bradshaw]

That's what I did when I made mine. The neck chains are stronger, quite smooth and just a nicer hunk of chain than the stuff on most commercial sporran chains. Mine is plated stainless steel off of eBay and wasn't particularly expensive ($14, search under the name "curb chain" - whatever that is). With the buckle, clips and leather added I have less than $20 invested in the whole thing.

[OC Richard]

Elaborate sporran chains are sort of a "pipe band thing". I don't know which band(s) started wearing them, but they became very popular amongst top Grade One pipe bands.

Perhaps it's in part because nearly all pipe bands wear waistcoats with no jackets, which allows the chain to show.

Here's a closeup of the Los Angeles Scottish where you can see their fancy chains



Here's a thread about them with some good pics

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ns-imho-47300/

Ian Grant of Edinburgh makes elaborate matching sets consisting of sporran, chain, belt buckle, sgian etc all having matching clan crests, military badges, etc.

http://www.iangrantofedinburgh.com/i...rc16281q6ne2l5

Here's an example of a matching Ian Grant set



Here's a different place that sells some that aren't quite so fancy

http://www.gmbelt.com/sporran%20chains.html

I really like these thistle ones sold on Ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scottish-Thi...item2102177934

[unixken]

OCR - That last photo is a nice design. Looks quite well polished and smoothed, too, for those worried about snagging.

[MacEanruig]

That's what I did when I made mine. The neck chains are stronger, quite smooth and just a nicer hunk of chain than the stuff on most commercial sporran chains. Mine is plated stainless steel off of eBay and wasn't particularly expensive ($14, search under the name "curb chain" - whatever that is). With the buckle, clips and leather added I have less than $20 invested in the whole thing.

Todd, That is a very nice sporran. Did you make it?

[Todd Bradshaw]

Yes, I made myself three of that type, loosely following the style of some older ones that I saw in photos on the web.

[MacEanruig]

Well done, sir! I like the hunting style in those colors. please inform me if you would like to part ways with one of them.

[OC Richard]

OCR - That last photo is a nice design. Looks quite well polished and smoothed, too, for those worried about snagging.

Yes those are all Scottish-made chains that are smooth as glass on the back.

It's the Pakistani chains that often don't get the importance of that.