There was talk of cantles above. Interestingly, over at the thread with photos of HRH The Duke of Rothesay ( AKA Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales ) we can see him wearing a mostly brown smooth leather sporran with a (white/silver) metal cantle- in broad daylight. With a navy-charcoal jacket and vest and a four in hand tie. Presumably, in his case budgetary limits are not a basis for choice.