Quote Originally Posted by MacBean View Post
I would be most surprised if the original cantles were sand-cast. They look to me to be constructed (jeweler's term for saw and solder work as opposed to casting). So I think you are making yourself a bigger hurdle than you need to here.

Just a thought: I've wondered if modern attachment schemes might be brought to bear on the leather work, so that one could swap a hair sporran for a leather one on the same cantle? Velcro?
The original construction varied. Many that we've seen pictured here and elsewhere were in fact built-up, but we've definitely seen some that were sand casted.

My same metal worker pal can do the cut&solder method, but sand casting allows for quicker, less intensive production after the initial masters are made.

We're still exploring both options, but leaning toward sand casting. This is especially true for a very ornate Victorian design which would otherwise have to be produced using repousse' and chasing.

As to the 'quick change' bag idea, it's intriguing, even tempting. I think that I'd rather stay true to the originals rather than risk compromising the design and construction.