What is this dagger-like thing at the end of the sporran chain?

**Kriegbert** · 18th October 21, 10:58 PM

https://www.wynyardwilkinson.co.uk/p...rness-ca-1910/

Came across this image.Any clue?

**Bruce Scott** · 19th October 21, 02:15 AM

I have no idea but here's an image and partial description from the site:

" The pouch is suspended by silver chains comprised of elongated, flat, S-scrolled and beaded links from a kilt attachment clip terminating in a circular finial comprising the head & shoulders effigy of a bearded Highlander with Balmoral bonnet, sword, shield and a thistle."

**Jock Scot** · 19th October 21, 03:28 AM

Purely as a guess. I wonder if there was a wee pocket sewn into the back and on the inside of his kilt belt for the "spade" thing to fit into? Rather like the pockets in the collar tips for shirts for the collar stays to fit into. Doing so, would certainly keep the sporran Centred. Is it my imagination that this sporran and chain is/was for quite a slim gentleman, or child, or perhaps it was just a show piece?

**Kriegbert** · 19th October 21, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Purely as a guess. I wonder if there was a wee pocket sewn into the back and on the inside of his kilt belt for the "spade" thing to fit into? Rather like the pockets in the collar tips for shirts for the collar stays to fit into. Doing so, would certainly keep the sporran Centred. Is it my imagination that this sporran and chain is/was for quite a slim gentleman, or child, or perhaps it was just a show piece?

the listing does indicate it's a child size sporran

**Jock Scot** · 19th October 21, 06:35 AM

OH does it, I am not surprised.

**OC Richard** · 19th October 21, 05:21 PM

I think it's a clip, like a money clip, that clips either on the kilt's waistband or a waist-belt.

**Bruce Scott** · 19th October 21, 06:01 PM

This thing is very small; as per the description at the link:

Dimensions & Weight:
Length (from kilt clip finial to base of pouch): 19 cm / 7 ½ ins; Width (pouch): 7.0 cm / 2 ¾ ins; Gross Weight: 86 gm

**ThistleDown** · 20th October 21, 01:46 PM

As OCR says, it's the back of a clip. Works a bit like the clip on a tape measure but without tension. The weight of the sporran keeps it in place. 19th century ladies' chatelaines often used the same principle. I suspect this whole piece is simply decorative, not functional.