Sir Alexander Macdonald c1772 - an interesting outfit

[Luke MacGillie]

Valid points Luke and Peter on the sporran cantle metal. I expect the painter allowed for artistic interpretation. I was guessing on the available materials and costs for an ornate design. However we are discussing a Scotsman's outfit. A practical choice would trump a brash decision in most cases.

A brass/bronze alloy is in many ways cheaper than iron. There is a savings in in burnable material to heat the metal, a savings in energy expended to engrave it, and I will come up with a 3d reason, just give me a second :-)

[Nomad]

A brass/bronze alloy is in many ways cheaper than iron. There is a savings in in burnable material to heat the metal, a savings in energy expended to engrave it, and I will come up with a 3d reason, just give me a second :-)

Lighter, low maintenance ( doesn't rust) and much better looking, would be advantages I would be looking for.