A new sporran for Jock?

[MacLowlife]

Jock, when you and I were younger, it was not uncommon for ladies to return from Florida or even Cuba with a handbag made from the whole hide of a small alligator- probably a caiman. The head and front legs would fit nicely on the flap of a sporran. These bags can be had cheaply, but are generally pretty old and dried. However, when you condition them a little and use a sturdy modern leather pouch, the result is, umm, effective.

But then, that also omits the metal cantle. Sorry for the digression. Thanks one and all for the great pics above.

[Bugbear]

Jock, when you and I were younger, it was not uncommon for ladies to return from Florida or even Cuba with a handbag made from the whole hide of a small alligator- probably a caiman. The head and front legs would fit nicely on the flap of a sporran. These bags can be had cheaply, but are generally pretty old and dried. However, when you condition them a little and use a sturdy modern leather pouch, the result is, umm, effective.

But then, that also omits the metal cantle. Sorry for the digression. Thanks one and all for the great pics above.

I raised an iguana for many years, he got very large. When he died, people suggested I make several belts, hat bands, lucky lizard foots, voodoo necklaces, and a whip (from his tail), but no one ever suggested I make a sporran from him, MacLowlife.

[creagdhubh]

What a fun project, Jock! Not too long ago, I posted that I would like a dress sporran made out of the finest black suede. I would consider basing it on these sporrans:







By far my favourite of these three sporrans is the first. This style of tassel would be essential, I think, for a suede sporran. You would need something "flashy." I particularly like the cantle, which could be worked up with some form of your armorial bearings, even a stylised clan plant badge.. Hamilton & Inches silversmiths are salivating on the sidelines!

Again, the second sporran has striking tassels, and a very fine cantle.

The third sporran is quite simple. Of course you should add tassels, and maybe a bit larger cantle, but the simple, basic style of this sporran is quite elegant.

Have fun with this one, Jock!

Sandy,

The photos of the sporrans above are absolutely lovely! Are the custom designs from a particular maker? I would love to know more about where they came from and who made them. Thanks.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

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.

Agreed and well said Sandy.

Aye,

[creagdhubh]

I love the simple sporran 'chain' shown with many of the older evening wear sporran styles, where could I purchase one? I am referring to the sporran chains that appear to be elongated and contain no additional ornamentation. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Slainte,

[Jock Scot]

Well done every one, keep those ideas and pictures rolling in. I am making notes and so far a germ, or two, of an idea is forming, nothing more. Yes, some of you are quite correct, it is a quietly dignified(loud is out) evening dress sporran that I am after and to me platted leather tassels are rather too rustic for what I am after. Also, as Sandy quite rightly points out, silver bullion type tassels are rather more "evening", I feel. The one thing that I am absolutely wanting to avoid is the sporran looking like those awful semi dress things that are neither fish nor fowl, that seem to have crept in over the last decade or so.

I do know that I have a crocodile hide (about 16ft long) that is heading for a day sporran or six for the family in the very near future.Thank you so much for starting another idea off.

This is getting to be a very expensive question!

[Jock Scot]

I love the simple sporran 'chain' shown with many of the older evening wear sporran styles, where could I purchase one? I am referring to the sporran chains that appear to be elongated and contain no additional ornamentation. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Slainte,

Try Ian Grant of Edinburgh. He used to do them, that I do know.

[JSFMACLJR]

Try Ian Grant of Edinburgh. He used to do them, that I do know.

Ian Grant was going to be my suggestion, too. He makes a very nice chain in sterling.


http://www.iangrantofedinburgh.com/i...roducts_id=227

[JSFMACLJR]

Sandy,

The photos of the sporrans above are absolutely lovely! Are the custom designs from a particular maker? I would love to know more about where they came from and who made them. Thanks.

Cheers,

Kyle, these three sporrans were all up for auction at one time or another. I found them online, and saved the photos. The first one truly is beautiful.

Sandy

[creagdhubh]

I absolutely love the first sporran depicted in your set of photos as well Sandy! Thanks for your help.

Cheers,