Inexpensive Sporrans

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 02:12 PM

This is a good example of what got me started on this thread.

This high-quality sporran features genuine rabbit fur, full-grain genuine leather, a 3-tassle silver and rabbit fur front, Celtic-weave emboss silver cantle and snap closure. Easily attachs to a kilt with its secure adjustable leather band and metal chain and double clip-closure (included). Imported. Great for musicians, or for home decor to proudly show off your Scottish and Irish heritage. (Silver emboss cantle designs vary slightly.)

RETAILS FOR $249.95

But she is selling it for US$50.

Now, I've seen bunny sporrans out there which cost mid-three figures. This seller claims she is selling one for US$50.

Good deal?

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 02:22 PM

I suppose it all comes down to location, that sporran might fetch $30-$40 Canadian, I recently was able to purchase a L&M Sealskin Sporran that was an ex-rental for about$150, I think it was a very good buy, I also found a Bovine Sporran on ebay.co.uk for under 40 pounds that I intend to use for travelling to the U.S.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 02:55 PM

Still, that much of a markup if we take the CDN$ 30-40 as a retail price. US$250, even with the devalued dollar, is a bit steep. How can the bunny sporrans go for so much, even on the internet in the day of pricegrabber and so on.

McMurdo, I'd love to have an L & M sealskin. I'd love to get a sealskin to the states, but don't want it seized. I found a bovine on UK eBay which sounds like the one you bought. It looked like a seal skin I'm lusting over.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 02:59 PM

Here are my two together.

I polished up the cantle and what not on the bovine and sent it to Casey to use for his prom.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 03:12 PM

I've got around 20 sporrans of various types and qualities. Ebay had added to my collection in great proportions. As you point out McMurdo, ex-hire is another route to picking up sporrans.

Very nice.

**McMurdo** · 27th April 08, 03:21 PM

I am now at 9 or 10 sporrans, not sure anymore, now that I have 2 Fergusson Britt sporrans, Sam the Muskrat and Penelope the Skunk/Pussycat I think I've most every event covered.

**Jack Daw** · 27th April 08, 03:28 PM

I have several sporrans. The expense, I have discovered, is worth it. Yet, I also have a 'period pouch' for Ren Fest wear that has a great deal of room, is made with quality materials, has lasted several years, and was purchased for only $29 on eBay. There are lucky occasions.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

I have several sporrans. The expense, I have discovered, is worth it. Yet, I also have a 'period pouch' for Ren Fest wear that has a great deal of room, is made with quality materials, has lasted several years, and was purchased for only $29 on eBay. There are lucky occasions.

You don't say whether these are day wear or evening wear.

I disagree that you need to spend loads of money, especially if you search around and can find an item being sold for less.

To paraphrase a saying "sassenachs are out there because somebody needs to pay retail."

**Jack Daw** · 27th April 08, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dukeof Kircaldy

You don't say whether these are day wear or evening wear.

I disagree that you need to spend loads of money, especially if you search around and can find an item being sold for less.

To paraphrase a saying "sassenachs are out there because somebody needs to pay retail."

Day (all leather), semi-formal (leather with fur front), and formal (fur with metal cantle).

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 27th April 08, 03:54 PM

Let's see I've paid from US$14 to US$ 350 for day, semi-formal, and formal.

One I bought for US$14.99 sold on ebay for US$24.50, does the price make it a better sporran? If a sporran lists for US$250 and I buy it for US$ 49.99, does that make it a crappier sporran? Does the chump who pays US$250 have a better sporran?

My Wyvern leather works or Thorfinn Custom are great sporrans, but a US$ 25 Rob Roy can do me as well. Not as fancy, but also not as pricey. Some people don't need all the bells and whistles. I like the custom jobs because they are made for me. Someone else can make do with a plain leather sporran.

SO, Jack Daw, you can spend as much as you want, especially if I can buy the same sporran for a fraction of what you paid for it, but sporrans are pouches. That may be all someone needs.