Earliest use of brass-cantle sporrans?

[figheadair]

Peter and Matt...question for both of you. Are you aware if the bags on those 18th century cantles are also original or were they replaced at some point throughout the life of the sporran? They are both obviously old leather...especially the MacGregor one. Also...on the one that Peter posted (and I think I remember reading a thread before about this particular sporran but have forgotten...so I apologize if we're recovering old ground)...what is the purpose of the holes drilled in the face of the cantle? Were they from repairs to the latch mechanism?

I think my bag is original here's the inside. I cannot account for the holes but think that they may have been drilled at a later date.