fussing over a sporran

**DWFII** · 28th March 08, 07:12 PM

I am looking at a military green argyll jacket and a brown tartan (Ulster 1196) kilt. I will be wearing the kilt evenings out and perhaps a highland games or two.

So I want a somewhat dressy sporran but one that is not too flashy for the occasional day outing too.

I don't want to show off too much but I want a nice one.

Anyone got any suggestions?

**McFarkus** · 28th March 08, 07:19 PM

You might want to try one of Turpin's Thorfinn Sporran's. He can make a tartan flap to match the tartan. Here's a review with one of his sporran's http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/t...x.html?t=35442

And here's his website http://www.thorfinnsporrans.com/3.html

They can be dressed up or down. Maybe add a fur flap for more formal.

billmcc · 29th March 08, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by McFarkus

You might want to try one of Turpin's Thorfinn Sporran's. He can make a tartan flap to match the tartan.

I also recommend you take a look at a Thorfinn sporran. It is a custom leather sporran with some nice features you won't find on any other sporran.

No one provided a link to the Ferguson Britt sporrans, so here you go:
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/sporran_fb.html

**Ryan Ross** · 28th March 08, 07:58 PM

You could also go with a Ferguson Britt sporran. I find that because they have a leather cantle, as opposed to a metal one, even the fur sporrans don't look out of place with day wear, as long as it's not too casual a day wear ie. a t-shirt; I'd class the FB fur sporrans in with full mask sporrans, in terms of versatility. Britt makes a beaver sporran, with nearly black fur, that would look great with the Ulster tartan. Also, a black leather FB sporran would look pretty good for dress too, as long as you weren't talking white tie. I've seen both of those worn with day wear (just a shirt, no jacket or tie), and they don't look a bit out of place there, either. They are a bit pricey, but well worth it, as the quality and craftsmanship are very high. As a bonus, they're also pretty spacious. I have one in skunk, and I'm really pleased with it.

[unsolicited endorsement]

**macwilkin** · 28th March 08, 08:10 PM

I would second the suggestion for a Britt sporran, but you would also do well with a sporran from:

www.freelandersporrans.com

I am the proud owner of a Freelander, as are many other members here. My Freelander is the best sporran I have ever owned, period.

Regards,

Todd

**McMurdo** · 29th March 08, 03:38 AM

I would second the opinions above, a Freelander, a Ferguson Britt, or a Thorfinn would all serve you well, if it were me I'd take a look at each and see which one you like the most and go from there. Given your reasons for the sporran and the occasions you have listed I would lean towards a Ferguson Britt with a fur front.

**DWFII** · 29th March 08, 05:26 AM

Take a sporran like the Ferguson...what are the dimensions? Is the fur only on the front? I'm of a mind to make my own. Especially for daywear.

I'd like it to be large enough to hold a small and my wallet and my keys. and maybe a comb. Not ostentatiously large, but not puny

either.

I know that many sporrans are sometimes lined with cloth and have pockets and so forth...but what's the usual or preferred setup inside?

**JerseyLawyer** · 29th March 08, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by DWFII

I know that many sporrans are sometimes lined with cloth and have pockets and so forth...but what's the usual or preferred setup inside?

Most of the sporrans I've ever seen or owned were just an empty space inside.

**DWFII** · 29th March 08, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer

Most of the sporrans I've ever seen or owned were just an empty space inside.

That's helpful. that's the way I'd do it, I think.

But what are the usual dimension? How long? How wide? How deep front to back?

And one other question..how are the chains attached to the back? Can someone post a photo?

billmcc · 29th March 08, 10:37 AM

The height and width of the Ferguson sporrans are listed for each model on the webpage I provided a link to.

The average sporran is about 7 inches high by 7 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep. This is probably the size you want for the things you intend to carry.

Buzz Kidder sporrans (which are larger than average) are about 8 inches high by 8 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep.

Both of the sporrans I own and most that I have seen are unlined.

I will post a picture of the backs of the two sporrans I own. Each has a different method for attaching a sporran belt.