Project Blog - Historic Sporrans / Brass Cantle Project

[artificer]

Thought I'd bump this thread, just to see how things are proceeding. As an observer, I've been really excited about this project. Like a good book series, I can't wait to find out where the story goes.

Unfortunately, there isn't too much to report as of this weekend.

I still haven't heard back from the STM regarding a few of the "historic sporran" construction questions yet.

I have been experimenting with a few 'early hair sporran' techniques I've learned from various sources which lend more of a 'swish' to the hair than the standard 'piper' hair sporran of today. It's about 300% more work than the way they do things now, but I think it will be worth it in the long run.

I've most likely got a source for a few original Victorian bells to re-cast off of, which is a HUGE score.

And I just put the finishing touches on my black tie skunk sporran for next weekend's Tartan Ball, which means that in addition to finishing Drac's snakeskin sporran, I can start officially working on #15 (the Stewart sporran).

I prefer #2 over #3.

This is a really cool thread. Thanks for taking the time to explain so much!

Thank you for bothering to read all my ramblings. As a note, #2, rather surprisingly has taken a great lead over the more visually distinctive #3.

My smith has been fannying about trying to finish his full plate armour for Halloween (which I rebuilt all the leather harnesses for), which is the greatest part of the gross delay in the first of the 3D models being finished. I'm hoping to emotionally abuse him into modeling and cutting the third cantle as compensation.

It may mean a larger flask, if that's possible, but I'll attempt it next week when I see my smith again (and he's hopefully still hung-over from the Halloween festivities).

[79thReproductions]

I just skimmed the thread. I cant believe I missed this so far! Way cool. Send me a PM if you would like about historic sporran construction if all else fails.

[artificer]

I just skimmed the thread. I cant believe I missed this so far! Way cool. Send me a PM if you would like about historic sporran construction if all else fails.

Thanks! PM sent.

[Bluescelt]

I'm also very interested to see how this project will turn out. Your research into manufacturing methods and historical design shows your dedication to the project. I wish you the best and look forward to seeing a finished cantle. Will you be planning on selling cantles?

[Taygrd]

Hello Artificer,
Mind sharing your supplier of brass? I see some prospects for some of my knife projects! I will need a place since my sand casting experiments went very bad. Spent all day Saturday working on it with nothing to show except a few globs of undetermined metal. Thanks

[artificer]

I'm also very interested to see how this project will turn out. Your research into manufacturing methods and historical design shows your dedication to the project. I wish you the best and look forward to seeing a finished cantle. Will you be planning on selling cantles?

Thank you. I am planning on a small run of each style. Bags in either leather or goat/sheep hair. More details when events happen.

Hello Artificer,
Mind sharing your supplier of brass? I see some prospects for some of my knife projects! I will need a place since my sand casting experiments went very bad. Spent all day Saturday working on it with nothing to show except a few globs of undetermined metal. Thanks

I would, but unfortunately, they are not a 'micro-job' outfit. My run of cantles is about the smallest thing they will do, and that's pushing it, AND it's because I know one of the smiths. They tend to do small industrial runs of several thousand dollars or more (which is a fair amount of brass).

You might want to consider contacting one of your local universities. They may have 'lab courses' available, or at least the name of a local graduate who has continued their work and might be able to help.

[Taygrd]

Very understandable, thanks for your response. Some of my issues were the sand I was using and the parting compound. Going to try a few modifications to see id it helps. Thanks again.

[BoldHighlander]

...I've always wanted one of these historical Victorian era/MacLeay style sporrans!
Thanks a lot for a new jones, Scott!!! {{sigh}}



I'll be following this thread with great interest!

[artificer]

I just skimmed the thread. I cant believe I missed this so far! Way cool. Send me a PM if you would like about historic sporran construction if all else fails.

Thank you for the very helpful conversation this morning!

...I've always wanted one of these historical Victorian era/MacLeay style sporrans!
Thanks a lot for a new jones, Scott!!! {{sigh}}

Oh, come on now Terry! What's life without something to jones for?
ith:

On to news!
I met with my smith last night and was presented with the first CAD drawing of the #1 (round) cantle. There are a few small changes needed. The 'arm' of the hinge needs to be extended down past the body of the cantle, for one.
Otherwise, I'm fairly excited about the piece. It really hits home when you see the 3-D model animated to spin, open and close.



You may notice that the holes for lacing the bag, as well as the finials are not pictured. This is because they will be added after casting. This will allow me to vary the holes for different sizes of lacing. This may come in handy when changing bag materials from hair to leather, or for various thickness of leather. The finial holes will allow me to have just the one, three or five, or to attempt some of the 'trick' lock mechanisms.

Now to start harassing my smith for progress on #2 (and dare I ask, #3)

As always, helpful critique and commentary is welcome.

[BoldHighlander]

Oh, come on now Terry! What's life without something to jones for?
ith:

Quite right, Scott!