Thanks again for all the helpful comments and confirmation that the design works.
Well spotted JSFMACLJR. The chain is embarrassingly cheep and nasty! I have changed it for a much heavier silver plated one and will look out for a more antique style. I am exploring other catch options Anne to avoid the magnetic risk to cards. That's a very fine sporran davidlpope with a distinctly wow factor, and many thanks for the offer of the Angora. I was tempted but have decided to go with the more 18th Century style Dear fur even though the cantle is almost certainly 19th Century. I know that I will use it more than I would a sporran moloch. BTW the cantle on your sporran looks very 18th Century but the bag more 19th Century. Is that an opening cantle?