Tassels on a sporran

[Ryan Ross]

I have a question: is this actually how sporrans used to be made? By "actually" I mean, are there surviving early sporrans like this? Or is this an example of a modern creation based on presumptions or guesses about the past, or a modern creation "inspired" by the past?

If there is an extant early specimen like this, could somebody post a photo?

I have seen a surviving historical piece that is in form, including the large belt loop, nearly identical to this one. Sadly, I am unable to find a picture just now. Does anyone else know the one I mean, and if so, can you find a picture? As I recall, it was made out of what looked like undyed deer skin.

...at any rate, I did find one portrait that shows a sporran very simmilar to mine, complete with a gathered leather bag and draw strings. We can't see wether it was worn on its own belt or on the belt which held his plaid on, however it looks to me that it must hang from a sporran belt.




EDIT: I found the one I was thinking of. It's the fourth picture down, on the lefthand side. http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/4813605
And here's another picture of the same sporran:


...Lamar got pretty close when he made mine, I'd say.