Badger sporran (full-mask) manufacturers/reviews?

**ShaunMaxwell** · 24th January 12, 03:26 PM

At some point later this year, I'm planning to purchase a full-mask badger sporran. The one I most commonly run across is the L&M (not the military version). The only other one I've come across that won't break the bank is from Clan Leather Works.

While I'd love to have a Kate MacPherson, that's more than I'm willing to spend on a sporran.

My question is this: Are there any other manufacturers that I should be looking at? I'm not a fan of the eyeless/non-taxidermied versions.

Also, if you happen to own either an L&M badger sporran or Clan Leather Works badger sporran, could you post a photo of it and give me a candid assessment of its merits and flaws?

The only thing that puts me off of the L&M is the appearance of the eyes, which seem most un-lifelike and almost an after thought.

I'd appreciate suggestions!

**Tartan Tess** · 24th January 12, 03:49 PM

have you seen this old guy?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/19th-Century...item27c22fa677
Seems well made sporrans are as tough as the original animal

**artificer** · 24th January 12, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Tess

have you seen this old guy?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/19th-Century...item27c22fa677
Seems well made sporrans are as tough as the original animal

YIKES! Based on the patina/corrosion on the brass I'd be greatly worried about the potential damp conditions this may have been stored in.

ith:

**tulloch** · 24th January 12, 04:54 PM

I turned up these with a little looking - The Scottish Trading Company: http://www.scottishtradingcompany.co...91n5ao1p89b427

License to Kilt: http://www.licensetokilt.com/Full_Ma...k_Sporran.html

Unless you are ready to spend a lot your options are narrow. I have never done business with either of these companies.

Take your time and be on the lookout at festivals, ebay, etc.

btw Tess, I'd love to have that frisky old thing but more I'd love to have the money!

**ForresterModern** · 24th January 12, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by tulloch

I turned up these with a little looking - The Scottish Trading Company: http://www.scottishtradingcompany.co...91n5ao1p89b427

License to Kilt: http://www.licensetokilt.com/Full_Ma...k_Sporran.html

Unless you are ready to spend a lot your options are narrow. I have never done business with either of these companies.

Take your time and be on the lookout at festivals, ebay, etc.

btw Tess, I'd love to have that frisky old thing but more I'd love to have the money!

I have, on and off for the last couple years, made repeated searches of online vendors who carry or manufacture various styles of full mask badger sporrans, specifically looking at varieties, styles and prices. Craigie used to make a nice but not inexpensive one, but I believe they are no longer in business. L&M has several nice ones but do not sell directly to retail customers, so their goods are only available through other retailers. Licensetokilt's price of $306us is the best price I have come across for the L&M version you show. There are a few other individual makers out there, but you really need to do your homework on quality and reputation with some of the smaller volume makers. Turpin and Artificer here on xmarks are well-noted sporran makers, and I believe may be able to provide you with some options. You can also keep an eye on ebay as there are several on there on a regular basis, although many of them are extremely expensive UK military versions, occasionally a simpler new or vintage one comes up, and sometimes goes for a reasonable price.

Good luck with your search.

**Ryan Ross** · 24th January 12, 11:23 PM

I vote for turpin, as I think he makes the best, most classy full mask sporrans I've seen. I've been dreaming of a badger from him myself, for years... and I imagine I'll pull the trigger, one day.

At any rate, turp's fees are very reasonable, and you can be assured of not only quality, but a custom job.

**AKScott** · 24th January 12, 11:40 PM

I agree with all of the above. I would add the European badger has a mostly black and white pelt, where the American badger has a great lot of yellow hairs in the pelt. Pretty good article on wikipedia under 'badger." I think the stripes are significantly more striking on the European badger as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badger

Just one more detail to think about, sourcing European hides from the USA over the internet is not for the faint of heart.

If I was going to get a full mask sporran I would probably get European badger. The amount of 3-D-ness you want in the face is a very personal choice, you got to go with what you like on that one.

**Kiltboy** · 25th January 12, 07:27 AM

I own the L&M badger. I was impressed how much my sporran looked like the catalog pictures. He is my favorite full-mask due to large size, extra roomy storage area, and easy to open (especially when compared to my L&M Skunk sporran). He took some extra weeks to deliver, due to lack of good pelts at L&M at the time.

I researched a lot of websites to find the best price. It was purchased through the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop.

**creagdhubh** · 25th January 12, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

While I'd love to have a Kate MacPherson, that's more than I'm willing to spend on a sporran.

Oh darn! I was going to recommend Kate Macpherson's badger sporrans!
I prefer the European species, well at least the species located in the British Isles, over their North American counterparts. For whatever reason, the full-mask badger sporrans made in Scotland (just look at photos of the officers of the Argyll-Sutherland Highlanders wearing their badger sporrans with tassels) look much sleeker and not as overly large and 'clunky' looking. Since Kate Macpherson's gorgeous wee beasties are out of the question for you, I'd go with L&M's version. L&M are superb sporran-makers of the highest quality.

Best of luck!