What's the story on the huge hairy sporrans

[Tobus]

OC Richard, based on this picture that you posted (re-shown below), it looks to me like they've taken an original sporran and simply added a back panel with a gusset and a snap closure tab. Is that the original sporran belt loop on the inside of the sporran?

[Downunder Kilt]

Tobus, Some time ago OC Richard modified that sporran by adding the outer belt loops in order to provide easier access to the pouch. The inner back loops were the originals. He found that when wearing it the original way it was hard to open as you were pulling against the sporran belt/stap. I believe he had his local bootmaker put on the new belt loops. I also have a ex Mod sporran that has the same original sporran loop placement. They both came with the rear pockets as shown

[Tobus]

Huh, that's interesting. Why would the original design have the belt running in between the front and back panels?

[longhuntr74]

That's what you get for having a goat hair sporran these days One of the members of the forum has a black one from the same source

Sorry for the late response. I might know that guy!! Here it is being worn...



I'm currently making a doublet that I think will have gold buttons on it. What are peoples thoughts about using gold foil/leaf to turn my sporran from silver to gold? Does it matter if one wears a silver colored cantle with a jacket with gold buttons?

[Downunder Kilt]

Huh, that's interesting. Why would the original design have the belt running in between the front and back panels?

I cannot answer that one Tobus. I now have two ex MoD hair sporrans, one made in 1974 and the other made within the last few years and both have the same sporran belt holder placement. As they are both ex army, I am sure that there is some good and logical explanation.

[OC Richard]

Does it matter if one wears a silver colored cantle with a jacket with gold buttons?

In this matter, as in so many other Highland Dress matters, I tend to be influenced by the old aesthetic so often preserved in the dress of the Highland regiments.

There, silver and gold are freely mixed. So, the buttons of Regular Battalions have traditionally been brass/gilt, but their cap badges have usually been white metal. Buckles and sporrans often have gold/gilt/brass and nickle/silver mixed within the same item. A doublet with gold braid might be worn with silver collar badges. And so it goes.

This photo rewards close inspection:



As do these





And here is a sporran with brass/gilt cantle but nickle/silver badges:



Given these very old traditions, I would not hesitate one moment to mix silver and gold in my civilian Highland Dress.

[Tim P]

No, no, no - it's Royal Air Force. I served for 12 years.

Regards

Chas

Well done that man!!!!

Rockape through and through.

[artificer]

Huh, that's interesting. Why would the original design have the belt running in between the front and back panels?

My "shot in the dark" guess would be that it's so a chap's sporran is never hanging open (a fashion faux pas recorded on film by X-markers more than once).

If the strap is attached to the rear of the front panel, then even it the sporran was left open the weight and hang of the piece would force the compartment closed against the wearer's apron.

ith:

[Downunder Kilt]

Artificer, I think that is the reason, can't see any other sensible one and seeing they originate with the military, it would not do to have your sporran gaping whilst on parade

[madmacs]

Rockape through and through.

Must be 25 years since I heard that term...