WW1 World War One Canadian Day Sporran

[Steve Ashton]

Most kilt shops will sell a plain brown military style daywear sporran.



Which are worn with a narrow plain brown leather belt.

[Howling Dingo]

Most kilt shops will sell a plain brown military style daywear sporran.



Which are worn with a narrow plain brown leather belt.

Sure but how cool would it be to have a 100 year old sporran with all that history attached to it.

[Karl R]

Sure but how cool would it be to have a 100 year old sporran with all that history attached to it.

Hence the $1,000 price tag.

I personally wouldn't pay for that connection to history, but I fully understand (and appreciate) the economics that motivate the people who are willing to spend that amount.

[Howling Dingo]

Hence the $1,000 price tag.

I personally wouldn't pay for that connection to history, but I fully understand (and appreciate) the economics that motivate the people who are willing to spend that amount.

I am not going to buy it myself, but I find it interesting. If it fell into my possessions buy some twist of fate would be unlikely to part with it.

The reproduction is also a little bit interesting in it's design. it comes like the original without leather dye or beeswax treatments.

[KnittedReenactor]

I actually got that repro off of ebay, it arrived this week. Overall it doesn't look like it will spontaneously fall apart or combust.
It is actually lined with some light (cotton?) fabric, unfinished but embossed leather exterior, and very tight strap loops. I can't get the strap to go through yet, need to loosen the leather up first.
The issome waxy powdery substance on the leather surface, that will have to be washed off, then heartily buffed with oil.

[Howling Dingo]

I actually got that repro off of ebay, it arrived this week. Overall it doesn't look like it will spontaneously fall apart or combust.
It is actually lined with some light (cotton?) fabric, unfinished but embossed leather exterior, and very tight strap loops. I can't get the strap to go through yet, need to loosen the leather up first.
The issome waxy powdery substance on the leather surface, that will have to be washed off, then heartily buffed with oil.

Have not the repo sporran ebay just that online shop.Sould post a few photos if you can..

[Digger1]

Seems that I am oft times coming late to the dance these days. I attribute that to advancing age, and lessening time to spend reading posts on websites, I guess.

That said, I may have something of value to add to the general discussion regarding the manners in which we choose to suspend our sporrans.. I personally have all but abandoned the "Cheyne" for anything but the most formal of occasions and have opted for the leather belt. I admit to a prejudice in this arena though, as that was what I was first introduced to over sixty years ago...and still find it the best, most comfortable, and least damaging to the fabrics of my kilts.

So...for those looking for an excellently made "belt" from which to hang your sporran, take a gander at the American Civil War era reproduction canteen "slings" (in Black, Russett, and Natural colours for USD $20.00 + shipping) at Dell's Leather Works: www.dellsleatherworks.com

They come in widths ranging from 5/8" to 1.25" by about 60+" in length....so, the ability to trim to size and make new holes for the buckle are needed, but a good leather punch is easily obtainable. I have used these for years and they only get better with age! Take on a marvelous sheen with age and light buffing up. Hope this is helpful.

[Tobus]

The issome waxy powdery substance on the leather surface, that will have to be washed off, then heartily buffed with oil.

That white powdery substance is mildew*, and is a stubborn annoyance on sporrans or any leather item that gets stored for long periods of time. As a collector of historic militaria, I see it on every belt, rifle sling, ammo pouch, holster, bayonet frog, sporran, etc. Even some of my sporrans that were made new have developed it over time. It can be cleaned off easily enough with warm water and saddle soap (and an old toothbrush), but it will develop again if the item is stored in a closet or box. I wish I knew a good way to kill it permanently and prevent it from ever developing again, but alas, I don't. At least, not while preserving the patina and character of the items.

*Sometimes, old military sporrans can have the remains of "blanco" on the leather, and it could be that. But looking at your sporran photos, and assuming it's a WPG reproduction, it doesn't look like one that was blancoed. Especially with the other signs of mildew I see in the photos. I could be wrong.

[Howling Dingo]

That white powdery substance is mildew*, and is a stubborn annoyance on sporrans or any leather item that gets stored for long periods of time. As a collector of historic militaria, I see it on every belt, rifle sling, ammo pouch, holster, bayonet frog, sporran, etc. Even some of my sporrans that were made new have developed it over time. It can be cleaned off easily enough with warm water and saddle soap (and an old toothbrush), but it will develop again if the item is stored in a closet or box. I wish I knew a good way to kill it permanently and prevent it from ever developing again, but alas, I don't. At least, not while preserving the patina and character of the items.

*Sometimes, old military sporrans can have the remains of "blanco" on the leather, and it could be that. But looking at your sporran photos, and assuming it's a WPG reproduction, it doesn't look like one that was blancoed. Especially with the other signs of mildew I see in the photos. I could be wrong.

Could be mildew which is a worry if the sporran in brand new.Is hard to see in my phone pics .This sporran should come new with just plain veg tan untreated cow hide. No beeswax,mink oil, blanco or mildew.

This is how the originals were issued in WW1.Over time the leather will darken down as oils/ beeswax are added. Also veg tanned cowhide will darken with exposure to light.