1896 Sporran refresh

[OC Richard]

That sporran is amazing and beautiful, but speaking purely as an artist if I were to see a current maker put a cantle of that shape over leather tooling of that shape I would say that the overall design showed a lack of integration.

I would expect an old maker to use tooling that followed the negative space within the borders of the cantle, or use a cantle the negative space of which followed the tooling of the leather.

Are you sure that that cantle and that leather originally went together?

[figheadair]

That sporran is amazing and beautiful, but speaking purely as an artist if I were to see a current maker put a cantle of that shape over leather tooling of that shape I would say that the overall design showed a lack of integration.

I would expect an old maker to use tooling that followed the negative space within the borders of the cantle, or use a cantle the negative space of which followed the tooling of the leather.

Are you sure that that cantle and that leather originally went together?

Richard, absolutely, it's wholly original.

[Shinenotburn]

That sporran is amazing and beautiful, but speaking purely as an artist if I were to see a current maker put a cantle of that shape over leather tooling of that shape I would say that the overall design showed a lack of integration.

I would expect an old maker to use tooling that followed the negative space within the borders of the cantle, or use a cantle the negative space of which followed the tooling of the leather.

Are you sure that that cantle and that leather originally went together?

- Good eye Richard. I think you are on point with that thinking. It may very well be what the maker wanted, but there is certainly some disconnect in the design motifs for the leatherwork and the silver work. The scallops on the targe don't reflect the cantle's scallops. Interesting little tabs on the cantle to hold the targe in place as the sporran opens. At the very least, it could have been two different designers working on the same piec when it was produced.
Perhaps it is some of the makers earlier work? Quite beautiful, none the less.

[figheadair]

What's particularly interesting about this piece is the Inverness Hallmark. By this time, the 1890s, all Scottish silver was supposed to have an Edinburgh or Glasgow assay stamp. The fact that this piece doesn't probably means that it was a commission piece done in a hurry meaning that there was no time to ship it to and from Edinburgh. That may explain some of the observations about the cantle and leather working.

[kiltedsawyer]

In the post by Kilted Redleg entitled "Pipers of old" there is a link to a House of Labhran page of old photographs. In the fifth row of photographs and on the right side there is picture of a gentleman wearing a remarkably similar sporran, although it is difficult to make out all of the details. Perhaps not provenance, but the style is similar.

Cheers,
David

[figheadair]

In the post by Kilted Redleg entitled "Pipers of old" there is a link to a House of Labhran page of old photographs. In the fifth row of photographs and on the right side there is picture of a gentleman wearing a remarkably similar sporran, although it is difficult to make out all of the details. Perhaps not provenance, but the style is similar.

Cheers,
David

It's broadly similar although it's more likely that it's a brass cantle rather than silver.

[Garth]

Wow. Any cantles like this up for grabs anywhere?

Thanks

[figheadair]

Wow. Any cantles like this up for grabs anywhere?

They do come up at auction, occasionally. When they do and depending on the material and the age, they can be quite expensive. A better route can be to look for a complete but distressed one where the bag can be replaced.

[David Dubh]

Absolutely stunning
What a beautiful piece

[figheadair]

Thought I'd give it an airing whilst working from home today.