So I own a seal skin sporran...

**Ryan Ross** · 31st March 11, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Here in Chicago, we have a wonderful phrase that solves a lot of problems: "It was grandfathered in." Basically, it means that it was that way before the ordinance/building code/regulation was passed so it's exempt. This gets mis-used a lot and has been said as a bald-faced lie many times but it has sort of been a principle that affects the application of laws and regs for a while.

So it sounds like the sporran in question dates from before the regulations were passed...I guess that would mean that you would have to prove that every time you were challenged...would you be carrying a document proving the sporrans origins in the sporran all the time?

I'd assume that there'd be a loophole here...otherwise they'd be rounding up every piano made with ivory keys and doing I don't know what with them. Don't really know what a lawyer would say but I'm sure that it'd cost you money one way or the other.

My advice is to apply that age old technique that has succeeded for years: lie.

If anybody asks, it's bovine. If they say, "Are you sure? I feels softer than most of the bovine that I've handled...", just say, "It's VERY NICE bovine."

That or lock it up in your safe deposit box and leave it to your heirs to sort out.

Best

AA

Either way, selling it is not legal... but trading it is as legal as you'll get, if you know what I mean. See if you can trade it to someone who knows more about this stuff and has more use for the sporran.

Also, a Ferguson Britt sporran is never a bad idea!

**Harold Cannon** · 31st March 11, 07:47 AM

You could always give it to a registered native american who is less likely to be hastled! Namely me!!! LOL!!! Just kidding! I have never been hastled about what I have worn wether it be highland attire or native attire and I pal around with game wardens and state police all the time!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 31st March 11, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by j.byars

I am new to highland attire...so new in fact my kilt has not yet arrived in the mail. Also let me point out I live in the United States. When I was ordering my sporran a short while ago I noticed sites saying they could no longer get new seal skin but could sell their existing stock. The place I ordered from pointed out it was legally obtained Greenland seal skin. I did not research it further and assumed all was fine. It was shipped to me without incident. Now I have discovered this site and from what I have read it is my understanding that perhaps I should not have been able to do this? Is this "legal" skin not legal in the US?

Basically I am wondering what my rights are with this sporran now. I have decided it is too formal for what I will be wearing and was considering selling it and buying a Ferguson Britt sporran instead. Now that the sporran is here am I able to legally sell it? Would I be required for some reason to prove where it came from? Is it legally allowed to be in this country at all?

It's here, and what's done is done. Hang on to it, and when you eventually get to the point that you are wearing formal Highland evening attire, wear it. Just don't store it in a zip lock bag with moth balls...

**Andy Proffitt** · 31st March 11, 08:06 AM

If I were you, I would not make a big fuss or tell anyone about it. If you think you will never want a seal skin sporran just trade it off or sell it quietly. It's here and the animal already died to make it, so trashing it hovers somewhere between wasteful and sinful.
And unless you want that sporran to go from a $200 item to a $4000+ item, quit talking about it.

**Woodsheal** · 31st March 11, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by Andy Proffitt

If I were you, I would not make a big fuss or tell anyone about it. If you think you will never want a seal skin sporran just trade it off or sell it quietly. It's here and the animal already died to make it, so trashing it hovers somewhere between wasteful and sinful.
And unless you want that sporran to go from a $200 item to a $4000+ item, quit talking about it.

Agreed. Keep it, wear it, enjoy it... and Big Brother be damned...!

**Brian K** · 31st March 11, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

Agreed. Keep it, wear it, enjoy it... and Big Brother be damned...!

***

At this point whatever has happened is done and you've learned something - even if this sporran was imported no good will come of the authorities finding out about this. You're unlikely to repeat the "offense" and a fine and the destruction of this accessory would be wasteful. (And this advice is from someone who is generally a stickler for legal niceties

)

Keep your mouth shut, your nose clean and enjoy an increasingly rare item

**Captain_Cogle** · 31st March 11, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by woodsheal

agreed. Keep it, wear it, enjoy it... And big brother be damned...!

this

**auld argonian** · 31st March 11, 09:04 AM

So, lemme ask this...does the DFW send sporran inspectors around to Highland Games to sniff out the sealskin and eagle feathers?

Best

AA

**macwilkin** · 31st March 11, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

So, lemme ask this...does the DFW send sporran inspectors around to Highland Games to sniff out the sealskin and eagle feathers?

Best

AA

Be quiet -- Don't give 'em any ideas!

T.

**Lallans** · 31st March 11, 09:35 AM

Now I'm wondering if sealskin is really in play here. Thinking back to when I ordered my own sealskin sporran from Scotland, there was a warning that any orders sent to the USA would be made from cowhide. All the OP has to do is to say he was told it was cowhide, and what's more it very likely is. What business is going to risk the wrath of US Customs on such an issue?