Visitor in the USA.

[Jock Scot]

A little while ago at one of our kilt nights we brought several different fur sporrans, Gary (Wompet) was there and was easily able to identify my Sealskin sporran, Gary works at the US Canada border on the US side, he was saying they would confiscate the Sealskin Sporran if I were to cross over with it. I therefore also have a Bovine one for going to the states with. As for once in the country it would most likely be fine, however as I've already said getting it through customs will be a problem, unless you can prove that the sporran is a certain vintage, and I'm not sure how old it has to be to be able to get a pass, I think it must be at least older than the Marine Mammals Protection Act, that was enacted on October 21, 1972.
As to how to get it back from your son, I'm not too sure how you are going to do that.

Thank you everyone for the advice given. McMurdo you have hit the problem right on the button. My sporran has silver as part of it construction and has hall marks, I think, dating to 1897 and was made by Hamilton and Inches, so I think you can see why I would not want some jumped up, jobs worth, official (sorry Wompet, not you!!!) getting things wrong. Or me! Now then, I can see an opportunity here to be in the market for a new sporran! Now there really is a thought!

[The Wizard of BC]

I asked this question of my import broker and Canadian and US customs.

The general answer for those just visiting the US is this;

If you are visiting and have a return ticket a Seal Skin Sporran will probably be allowed.

[Kiltman]

I asked this question of my import broker and Canadian and US customs.

The general answer for those just visiting the US is this;

If you are visiting and have a return ticket a Seal Skin Sporran will probably be allowed.

My experience with both US and Canadian customs is they are really nice people and do their job as best they can. I would not make their job more difficult by taking a seal sporran to the US.

[piperdbh]

Jock,
Before you go to too much trouble worrying about which sporran to bring, it might be wise to check with your clansmen regarding the formality level of the events you'll be attending. It may be that you won't need anything very formal; on the other hand, your clan might want to "do it up big", since you'll be there from all the way across the Loch Mor.

And, to get the sporran back from your son, tell him that unless it's returned by a certain date, you'll iron creases into all his blue jeans.

[Jock Scot]

Jock,
Before you go to too much trouble worrying about which sporran to bring, it might be wise to check with your clansmen regarding the formality level of the events you'll be attending. It may be that you won't need anything very formal; on the other hand, your clan might want to "do it up big", since you'll be there from all the way across the Loch Mor.

And, to get the sporran back from your son, tell him that unless it's returned by a certain date, you'll iron creases into all his blue jeans.

Good advice there. I do need to know how formal things are going to be. On the son front,there are two problems there, I don't think he owns a pair of jeans and if he does, I am not too sure how to operate an iron!

[Rob Wright]

On the son front,there are two problems there, I don't think he owns a pair of jeans and if he does, I am not too sure how to operate an iron!

In that case Jock threaten to turn loose your less than adequate ironing skills upon either an article of clothing or exposed flesh Or you could appeal to their good nature.......


Rob

[Fougasse]

A little while ago at one of our kilt nights we brought several different fur sporrans, Gary (Wompet) was there and was easily able to identify my Sealskin sporran, Gary works at the US Canada border on the US side, he was saying they would confiscate the Sealskin Sporran if I were to cross over with it. I therefore also have a Bovine one for going to the states with. As for once in the country it would most likely be fine, however as I've already said getting it through customs will be a problem, unless you can prove that the sporran is a certain vintage, and I'm not sure how old it has to be to be able to get a pass, I think it must be at least older than the Marine Mammals Protection Act, that was enacted on October 21, 1972.
As to how to get it back from your son, I'm not too sure how you are going to do that.

As anticipated, I stand corrected!

[English Bloke]

... and if he does, I am not too sure how to operate an iron! ...

Come on Jock? An old soldier like you, I very much doubt that.

I wouldn't risk such a precious thing myself. Some busy-body will square it away in the name of planet saving I'm sure, in spite of the fact your particular seal has been separated from his overcoat for a century or more.

Lots of generous X Markers on here though eh?

[gilmore]

The issue of sealskin sporrans has been discussed here in at least one, if not two or more threads. One of the members here is with US customs. The info he gave, as I recall it, was that not all seals are endangered, thus some sealskin sporrans are quite legally imported into the US. However, most customs inspectors probably can't spot the difference on site. I don't remember any discussion of the date of the sporran having a bearing, but it may have. If you use the search feature, you can probably locate the thread(s).

Hope you have an enjoyable trip to our shores. Have you thought of a kilt night of X Marks members at the locale you are visiting? I am sure quite a few would like to meet and welcome you.

[Jock Scot]

Come on Jock? An old soldier like you, I very much doubt that.

I wouldn't risk such a precious thing myself. Some busy-body will square it away in the name of planet saving I'm sure, in spite of the fact your particular seal has been separated from his overcoat for a century or more.

Lots of generous X Markers on here though eh?

Ssshhhh! You will blow my cover with my wife! I might have to remember how to iron again! I did have a "man" to do most of my ironing in the army though.

You are quite right, I think my sporran will stay at home. Oh well, I suppose I will just have to buy a new one,ho hum.--------it won't look right though all this new business just ----well -------just-------won't --------look -------well-------um-------right--------will it? Well not for a 100years at least!

Again, you are quite right in pointing out how generous people are. We in this country will never forget how generous North America has been to our country, and it is great to see that the tradition is continuing! So, if this trip of mine leaves the planning stage I would love to meet up with you Xmarkers "somewhere" in the USA.