"horse hair sporrans"

**puffer** · 11th December 08, 09:42 AM

In the "GENERAL" Section there is was a discussion on "Horse Hair" Sporrans.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/h...x.html?t=29018

Here are some of my thoughts on the subject.
1.NOT all "Horse Hair" Sporrans are "PIPER" Style. Incl. Military.
2.Contrary to many of the posts, I saw, many of these are VERY functional. They DO have ample "pouches"

Here is an Example - This is a 1981 ISSUE Day offerer's Sporran. (Seaforth (Can) ( NOTE- This was given to me by a member of the unit. When I wear it, the Seaforth officer's Sporran badge is replaced with a "civilian" Badge. Also the Buckle is "issue")

1. Overall Dementias = 12" long x 6 1/2" wide
2. "Pouch" Dimensions = 8 1/2" long x 6 1/2" wide with 2" gusset.
LOTS of ROOM.

Do I wear this ?? Occasionally ( Dress & occasions with my Seaforth friends)

Puffer

**beloitpiper** · 11th December 08, 10:20 AM

Mine also has a pouch, but is not related to a regiment, so I just wear when I pipe.

**thescot** · 11th December 08, 11:29 AM

Puffer, that's a really nice sporran. If I ever get a horsehair sporran (for other than pipe band use), I want that black Seaforth style.

I realize that almost no one (other than bands and military) wear a horsehair sporran, but it really is a nice piece, and it looks very good for full dress.

Any way, thanks for the photos. I would proud of that any time. And, like you, I'd just have to wear it once in a while.

**puffer** · 11th December 08, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

Puffer, that's a really nice sporran. If I ever get a horsehair sporran (for other than pipe band use), I want that black Seaforth style.

I realize that almost no one (other than bands and military) wear a horsehair sporran, but it really is a nice piece, and it looks very good for full dress.

Any way, thanks for the photos. I would proud of that any time. And, like you, I'd just have to wear it once in a while.

It does get peples attention.

Here is a site I ran accoss. http://www.cuillinn.com/sporrans.html

Also note that the "Current" Issue has "plastic" backing the sporran badge. & a heavy "plastic" strap. BUT it still looks GREAT IMHO

Puffer

**Nanook** · 12th December 08, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by puffer

Also note that the "Current" Issue has "plastic" backing the sporran badge. & a heavy "plastic" strap. BUT it still looks GREAT IMHO

The plastic belts are practical and of very good quality. The MOD replacement for buff leather--- over 60 years after the US had abandoned buff leather due to supply issues--- is a woven fabric made of Courlene which is a very dense and strong polyethylene fibre related to Tyvek.

**JamieKerr** · 14th December 08, 04:15 PM

Thank you gentlemen for the wonderful responses. Puffer, I love your sporran and have been looking at a number of them just like yours. Is it fairly common for the crest on this type of sporran to be removable? I found a number of military sporrans that look just like yours Puffer, but I do not want to be disrespectful and wear the insignia of a military unit.

**puddlemuddle** · 14th December 08, 04:42 PM

I may be opening a can of worms here...but I don't think that it's disrespectful at all to wear a regimental badge (actually, this regiment sadly no longer exists as a whole, as it was amalgamated into The Royal Regiment of Scotland, after being amalgamated into The Highlanders). I think that if it was a current regiment that still wore the badge, then maybe I can see where it might be construed as disrespectful, but to wear one that is no longer worn..I see it more as keeping the tradition and memory alive. Sort of a memorial of sorts if you will. I myself wear the uniforms of (WWI and WWII mind you) the Liverpool Scottish, which no longer exist except in the cadet training form. So as long as your not trying to pass yourself off as a member, then I don't see it as a problem.
Just my tuppence worth.

Oh yeah...and I ALWAYS think there's room for more horse hair sporrans in the world!!

Chad

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 14th December 08, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by puddlemuddle

I may be opening a can of worms here...but I don't think that it's disrespectful at all to wear a regimental badge (actually, this regiment sadly no longer exists as a whole, as it was amalgamated into The Royal Regiment of Scotland, after being amalgamated into The Highlanders).

I would agree that it isn't necessarily disrespectful, but it is pretty much in the same boat as wearing a regimental tie-- okay if you served in the regiment, but a social no-no if you didn't. As far as the Regiment "no longer existing" I wouldn't be too sure; it may exist merely as a Company in the RRS, or as a TA or Cadet unit.

I think that if it was a current regiment that still wore the badge, then maybe I can see where it might be construed as disrespectful, but to wear one that is no longer worn..I see it more as keeping the tradition and memory alive.

This is what regimental associations are for, and they do an excellent job.

Sort of a memorial of sorts if you will. I myself wear the uniforms of (WWI and WWII mind you) the Liverpool Scottish, which no longer exist except in the cadet training form. So as long as your not trying to pass yourself off as a member, then I don't see it as a problem.

There is, in my opinion, a world of difference between living history (recreating a Jock in the Liverpool Scottish circa WWI & II) and what is socially frowned upon in the rest of the world (like wearing bits of military uniform with civilian dress).

Oh yeah...and I ALWAYS think there's room for more horse hair sporrans in the world!!

We definitely agree on that!

**puffer** · 15th December 08, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by JamieKerr

Thank you gentlemen for the wonderful responses. Puffer, I love your sporran and have been looking at a number of them just like yours. Is it fairly common for the crest on this type of sporran to be removable? I found a number of military sporrans that look just like yours Puffer, but I do not want to be disrespectful and wear the insignia of a military unit.

Jamie, As far as I know the "Sporran Badges" on this type of Sporran, are removable. (on those that mount the badge beneith the cantle )

NOTES on Sporran Badges:
1. Sporran badges are SMALLER than the Regimenal Cap Badges.
2. " " are mounted using "posts & cotter key ( like the "older style Cap Badges )
Here is a site that sells "sporran badges". Look it over to see what I mean.
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Bugpip...759073QQsofpZ0

NOTE - You may have to "adjust the holes on the sporran, to mount your badge do to differences in the spacing of the posts.
As to using "civilian "badges, you will need to ADAPT the mounts, as I have.

PUFFER

**Jack Daw** · 15th December 08, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

I would agree that it isn't necessarily disrespectful, but it is pretty much in the same boat as wearing a regimental tie-- okay if you served in the regiment, but a social no-no if you didn't. As far as the Regiment "no longer existing" I wouldn't be too sure; it may exist merely as a Company in the RRS, or as a TA or Cadet unit.

Some civilian pipe bands (U.S., Canadian, etc) use Highland Regimental badges as a part of their uniform.