A new sporran for Jock?

[thescot]

. . .Mid-19C silver and calf

. . .

Rex is a genius . . . of course.

For a gentleman of Jock's standing, I think this style if best. It is tasteful, fairly traditional, and--importantly--not ostentatious. In black leather or deer hide, it would make a very nice evening sporran that any man would be happy to wear. It definitely has a silver cantel, but the catel is not over done.

The sting ray version woul stick out like a sore thumb and appear a bit too modern.

In short, the silver and calf style in black would bespeak of Jock's station in life and enhance his postion. It is somewhat unique, but it's not showy or trendy. It is classy and stylish. A lot like Jock.

[Tartan Hiker]

Can anyone tell me if, on this style of sporran, the knots at the top of the side braids act as hinges for the sporran, or is there some other mechanism involved?

[thescot]

Bill, the one I saw like that had no metal at all. The side knots were the hinges and the top closure was a leather knot, too. I think it a very nice sporran but a bit too casual for evening dress.

[JSFMACLJR]

Norman C. Milne makes a very nice (though quite expensive) sporran with functional hinged hallmarked sterling silver cantle which operates like the original 18th century cantles. The pouch in his "Jensen" model is done in brown leather, while his "Milne" style is done in black leather. Both have the traditional three braided thongs (one in the center and one on each side).





These are also available with brass cantles according to his website: http://www.ncmilne.co.uk/sporrans/sporrans.html

Surely these beautiful sporrans are for daywear, no?

[JSFMACLJR]

Yes, however I believe Jock mentioned that he had an aversion to fur, so a leather, suede, shagreen, or other similar hairless material seems to be the extent of his choices.

I understand that, but nonetheless to my eye these sporrans scream out "day wear." They are a little too--shall we say--"rustic" to be considered dress sporrans for evening wear.

If the braided leather tassels were replaced with some beautiful bullion tassels, then these sporrans might be quite nice for evening wear. As they are, though, the just do not look elegant enough for dinners and balls and what not.

[ThistleDown]

I understand that, but nonetheless to my eye these sporrans scream out "day wear." They are a little too--shall we say--"rustic" to be considered dress sporrans for evening wear.

If the braided leather tassels were replaced with some beautiful bullion tassels, then these sporrans might be quite nice for evening wear. As they are, though, the just do not look elegant enough for dinners and balls and what not.

To me, as well. I have a Britt sporran and love it, but it is not something I would wear of an evening and certainly not with formal dress. I think it is the "pouch" style that isn't refined enough for me. Of the examples I posted earlier, both of the first two have this sense of refinement, whilst the third does not.

Rex

[ThistleDown]

The bottom one appears to have an 18C sterling cantle but in that case the bag must have been remade in the 20C -- perhaps using the original as a pattern -- because this is not old leather.

So now I have the full story. The bottom one of the three I posted was made "ten years ago" and has a brass cantle and a bag copied from a much old one the artisan had in his possession. My friend, who owns this one, picked up the photo I posted from a retailer he found online who was selling something very similar. He's a bit embarassed and apologises for the confusion -- as do I. When he sent the pic to me a couple of years ago he mis-labeled it as "sterling silver 18th century". Thank you, David, for being so observant and having such a fine memory .

Rex

[CMcG]

Some really great ideas and beautiful sporrans on this thread. What does the OP (Jock Scot himself) have to say thus far?

[Bugbear]

Jock did say he liked the MOR sporran.

[MacLowlife]

I'd like to echo those who have suggested something with a little texture- ray or shagreen or reptile-embossed, or possibly suede. I think a suede front on a calfskin back and gusset would probably hold up quite well. I also like the very dressy tassels suggested by JSFMacL. The braided thongs ( a la Britt) may be traditional, but I think they may be unnecessarily rustic. It might be handy to allow for interchanging, though. I like the idea of danglers made or horn or antler and I think the whistle is clever indeed. What about turkey spurs or bear claws, or grouse feet? Has anyone ever used great nasty teethies? Mounted in silver, of course...