Sporran Question

[figheadair]

Yes by around 1840 sporrans had evolved to having long hair (goat, often having horsehair extensions overlaying the goat) with non-functioning cantles. The back of the sporran now had a slot to reach inside, the slot covered by a plain leather flap fastened with a button or string.

That style was worn in the army and by civilians alike throughout the Victorian period.

Since the cantle no longer opened, knobs became mere decoration.

For some unknown reason, in Victorian times sporrans generally had either no knobs, or three knobs.

In the 20th century a single knob became standard, who can say why.

In truth Victorian Highland Dress had a wide range of formality, from extremely plain Outdoor Dress (more plain than in the 20th century, for example flashes and kilt-pins often weren't worn) to quite ornate Evening Dress (more ornate than in the 20th century, with plaid, sword, powder-horn, pistols, etc being worn).

Richard,

An useful summary. The one addition I would add is that towards the end of the Victorian era (the 1890s), the Celtic Revival saw a return to functioning cantles per the 18th century style but usually in silver. Henry Tatton, Ferguson and MacBean etc., were amongst the premier exponents of this style. here is my F&M'B one from 1896.