1860s sporrans: Highlanders of Scotland

[creagdhubh]

Thanks so much for posting these.

I'm currently designing my own sporran, and this is very inspiring!


Cheers!

Michael

Good to hear Michael!

Will your bespoke sporran going to be along the lines of MacLeay's subjects? I designed a horse hair sporran (based off of one worn by one of MacLeay's Highland sitters, Lachlan Macpherson of Strathmashie), to be worn with my Highland evening attire, a couple of years ago with L&M Highland Outfitters, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and they did an absolutely perfect job! Naturally, they are know for creating top-notch sporrans of alll sorts, which was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue them for my bespoke horse hair sporran.

Mine consists of a white horse hair body, 18" in length, with 6 short, black horse hair tassels. The cantle and cones are of silver, with embossed thistles. The cantle itself has a black patent leather center, with a silver thistle positioned appropriately. At some point, I plan to remove the thistle, and replace it with my "Guardian of the Clan Macpherson" badge, done in silver as well. I do love the sporran, however, I am much more fond of the overall 'look' that goat hair provides, versus the horse hair.

I look forward to seeing photos of your bespoke sporran, and please keep us posted on its progress - it's an exciting process!

Lachlan Macpherson of Strahmashie (aka Lachlan Mor, Champion of Scotland), on 'our' left, painted by Kenneth MacLeay, RSA.


My L&M bespoke horse hair sporran (Note - Cluny's Victorian era goat hair sporran in the first photo - quite lovely!).





Guardian of the Clan Macpherson silver badge


Piper, Atholl Highlanders - note the similarities between his sporran and mine.


Slainte,