Anybody any good at dating items?

**Steve Barclay** · 5th December 09, 06:14 PM

I've ordered a few things form Ebay lately that are advertised as vintage, namely three sporrans (two horsehair pipers' and a leather one), plus a Royal Stewart kilt- when they all arrive, if I povide details from labels etc, would anyone be able to give an approx date?
I don't distrust the Ebay sellers's descriptions, but I feel that there are better qualified people on this forum!

**CDNSushi** · 5th December 09, 06:31 PM

Hmm.. Well, I must say -- I would rather date a lady than an item. Wasn't there a Boston Legal episode about this?

On a more serious note, give it a "go" and give the info. This forum is a wealth of knowledge.

**Highlander31** · 5th December 09, 07:53 PM

I agree with CDNSushi. Post the information, there's bound to be someone, or several people who will be able to answer your questions.

I look forward to seeing the sporrans.

**BroosterB1** · 5th December 09, 10:57 PM

I agree with FishyWishy, Girls are a lot more fun to date! as to the items...well set the way back machine.......

Have I been up too long or what?

**OC Richard** · 6th December 09, 07:40 AM

With sporrans one can usually have a fair notion as to period from how it's made.

For example, in the Victorian period the cantle was usually from sheet metal which was then engraved.

In the 20th century, cast metal cantles become standard.

**MacLowlife** · 6th December 09, 07:56 AM

SB,

I believe "vintage" is eBay speak for "not exactly new, but if you want to think it is old, then please go ahead, so long as that makes you pay more for it." Labels can tell a lot, if the garment has any, but methods of construction, materials, even stylistic details can all help. I dated a woman last night who was wearing Royal Stewart tights. She was built like the proverbial brick outbuilding.

Bring on the photos.