Sporran cantle options

[McMurdo]

I use my brass cantle sporrans for day wear. I suppose in a pinch you could press one into service as a formal sporran but to me the brass lends itself to a day setting. My reason for saying that is my doublets all have silver buttons and mixing metals doesn’t really do it for me. There will be others who say it’s fine to mix your metals I’m sure.

[Manu]

I use my brass cantle sporrans for day wear. I suppose in a pinch you could press one into service as a formal sporran but to me the brass lends itself to a day setting. My reason for saying that is my doublets all have silver buttons and mixing metals doesn’t really do it for me. There will be others who say it’s fine to mix your metals I’m sure.

Ah yes, I did not think of the mixing of the metals. So, in your opinion, could a white metal cantle be appropriate for daywear? And I mean with a rather plain black bag with leather tassels, not metallic.

[McMurdo]

For me daywear sporrans should not have a silver cantle either plain leather or the MoD cantle is fine but not a silver cantle.

[Tobus]

This same subject comes up occasionally, with mixed answers. From what I recall of past discussions, mixing metals isn't that big of a deal in Highland tradition. It might depend on who you're trying to impress at your event, but there's no rule against it.

I wouldn't consider a brass cantle ideal for black tie, but I wouldn't consider it verboten either. If I were going to go all-in with one single sporran, I might be tempted to choose the same. An ex-MoD brass cantle can easily span the range from casual to dressy, depending on how it's bagged and presented. Keep in mind, too, that the MoD cantles are made to be removed from the bag by popping off the clips from the internal studs. So you can have several bags made for the same cantle. One for daywear, one for black tie, etc.

But if I only had one choice for the bag to go with that cantle, I'd choose something in a fur or hair covering. As a matter of fact, I have one being made right now with one of my MoD cantles mounted on a goat hair bag. I didn't order it that way specifically with black tie in mind, but it could work for that purpose. It can be dressed up by polishing the brass before the event, using a chain instead of a leather strap, and perhaps having some removable tassels through the front that get added for dressy occasions (bonus points for mixing metals by using silver cones on the tassels and a silver sporran chain combined with the brass cantle).

[Manu]

This same subject comes up occasionally, with mixed answers. From what I recall of past discussions, mixing metals isn't that big of a deal in Highland tradition. It might depend on who you're trying to impress at your event, but there's no rule against it.

I wouldn't consider a brass cantle ideal for black tie, but I wouldn't consider it verboten either. If I were going to go all-in with one single sporran, I might be tempted to choose the same. An ex-MoD brass cantle can easily span the range from casual to dressy, depending on how it's bagged and presented. Keep in mind, too, that the MoD cantles are made to be removed from the bag by popping off the clips from the internal studs. So you can have several bags made for the same cantle. One for daywear, one for black tie, etc.

But if I only had one choice for the bag to go with that cantle, I'd choose something in a fur or hair covering. As a matter of fact, I have one being made right now with one of my MoD cantles mounted on a goat hair bag. I didn't order it that way specifically with black tie in mind, but it could work for that purpose. It can be dressed up by polishing the brass before the event, using a chain instead of a leather strap, and perhaps having some removable tassels through the front that get added for dressy occasions (bonus points for mixing metals by using silver cones on the tassels and a silver sporran chain combined with the brass cantle).

Thanks, good points made. Im not a big fan of fur, daywear or black tie. I prefer the leather sporrans. I know for brings up a notch the wow factor, but it's just not me. I do however like the idea of interchanging cantles and such.

I'm leaning more towards the brass option with black bag, mostly because most of the use will be for less than black tie affairs. I don't even have black tie jacket and vest yet, but in all honesty, I like the black button argyle better than the silver button, not as flashy, but looks very sleek IMO. And a polished brass cantle looks very sharp. I remember the days when I had to polish the brass buckle in my uniform, very satisfying

[Nomad]

I recently Aquired an MOD cantle and had it rebagged with a dark brown bag, which I feel spans casual up to reasonably formal. It's a shame you're in America, as you can, as I did, pick up a 2nd hand 1980s - 2000 sealskin with chrome cantle for £60 quite regularly on eBay, which means for a relatively small sum (compared to a quality rebag) you can keep that in the drawer for more formal events.

I'm less of a traditionalist than some, so as far as I'm concerned a nicely polished and rebagged MOD sporran looks as good as a fur sporran and anyone who knows how much they cost would likely overlook the fur requirement. I will agree with what others say regarding silver cantles, best left for more formal events.

just my opinion, worth little, but it's still mine ��

[David Dubh]

I have a regular commercialy produced black seal skin with pewter cantle for evening wear. My go to sporran is actually a hybrid of these two from L&M highland wear it is the brown osgar but with the black faux ostrich centre which works very well up to evening wear but I wouldn’t wear it for black tie. The bran one I think might just be able to do black tie in a pinch.
What do others think?
Slainte David
https://www.landmhighland.ca/product...nting-sporran/
https://www.landmhighland.ca/product...nting-sporran/

[Manu]

I recently Aquired an MOD cantle and had it rebagged with a dark brown bag, which I feel spans casual up to reasonably formal. It's a shame you're in America, as you can, as I did, pick up a 2nd hand 1980s - 2000 sealskin with chrome cantle for £60 quite regularly on eBay, which means for a relatively small sum (compared to a quality rebag) you can keep that in the drawer for more formal events.

I'm less of a traditionalist than some, so as far as I'm concerned a nicely polished and rebagged MOD sporran looks as good as a fur sporran and anyone who knows how much they cost would likely overlook the fur requirement. I will agree with what others say regarding silver cantles, best left for more formal events.

just my opinion, worth little, but it's still mine ��

Thanks Nomad. Yes, I came across your and another thread of re-bagged MoD cantles, and they are very fine items and what inspired me to pursue this route. What I gather so far is that, will it be traditional to wear it in black tie attire? Probably not, but like you said, the cost a presentation will probably make it pass muster in the lower end of formal events I think. We'll find out if I ever find myself attending a black tie affair I guess.

[Delta Six]

As a matter of fact, I have one being made right now with one of my MoD cantles mounted on a goat hair bag.

Tobus, I am anxiously waiting to see a photo of the results--sounds great!

Six

[Manu]

At last my project was completed. I am very excited to strap this fine piece of work around my waist. I think Donnie did a great job creating this work of art. Now, I debated white metal vs brass extensively before reaching out to Donnie, but in the end I was left with no choice but the pewter option. The knotwork is polished, but I look forward to it aging becoming more dull with use. Overall, personally I think it looks great and it should cover me up the most formal of day wear. I'll wear it proudly. Here's a pic of the final product. It'll be making its debut in December along with my County Cavan tank after I get back home. Cheers all!
IMG_20181015_125930398_resized_1.jpg