Sporran Stuck in Customs

**ForresterModern** · 9th March 10, 06:52 AM

Some of it depends on the method of shipping. We all know that while FEDEX gets your packages thorugh quickly they often come back at you with a delayed customs duty ding attached to an additional handling fee, quite substantial. Buut at least they are trackable.

Stuff sent from Scotland or the UK in general via Royal mails takes a slow boat, is less likely to be hit with customs duties unless it is an expensive and bulky item like a kilt, but often takes forever (read several weeks) getting thorugh customs, as it is a low priority for them. It may also be trackable from hte time it leave the shop until it hits customs in the states, but then disappears off the radart until it either shows up on your doorstep via USPS some time later, or you get a form leter about your package being held for whatever reason they deem necesary.

Parcel Force kind of splits the difference time wise, getting things through the system a bit faster, and often avoiding the customs duties fees, but is typically delivered by DHL on this side of the pond. Since DHL cut back their US services a couple years ago they are less reliable in delivery than others. I had a custom woven tartan handsewn kilt made and sent from Scotland last summer that they never bothered to deliver becasue they could not find my address, did not bother to call us at home, and did not attempt second delivery, instead holding it in storage for a month before alledgedly returning it to the scottish vendor (although they say they never got it either---hmmm) and it was lost completely in teh system for 5 months. The vendor is right now replacing it with an identical custom weave and handsewn kilt that should be finished in the next couple weeks, and hopefully will be in hand by the end of the month.

Yours is probably a Royal Mails service delivery that got to US customs, where Royal Mails cannot further track it, and will eventually be handed over to the USPS where tracking is not provided on international packages like your. so it will likely exit customs and show up on your doorstep without further adieu, one of these days. Have patience. As long as you don't get a letter stating that your item is illegal to import you should be fine.

jeff

**DeWayne Ross** · 9th March 10, 07:52 AM

When I learned the kilt had been held up to the time I got it was about a month and a half.

**Noel Christian Riddell** · 9th March 10, 08:06 AM

[QUOTE=Dram;861441]Sporran Stuck in Customs QUOTE]

I imagine there are worse places to get it stuck.
In the door of a car which is driving away from you for example -or an elevator door -or stuck to a caber you've just tossed.

I'm teasing, of course. Hope you get your sporran soon.

**Dram** · 14th March 10, 06:27 PM

Well I recieved it afterall! I refurbished it although it arrived in pretty good condition, the leather was very very dry (on the verge of cracking). So I spent many hours reconditioning it. Cleaned the fur etc...

I really like the colors of the pelt. All of the metal bits are silver plated including I believe the belt chains. I think this was probably made in the 1950's or 60's?

Overall I am very happy with it. Thanks for all of you that helped.

**BoldHighlander** · 14th March 10, 06:30 PM

Very nice

What kind of fur is that?

**ForresterModern** · 14th March 10, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

What kind of fur is that?

Regardless of its age or origin we should probably not go there.

On my monitor it appears as if there is a nice olive colored leather fringe surrounding where the cantle and fur meet. If that is correct that is a color I have not seen before in that use. Very unique, and attractive.

Truly a beautiful piece for your collection and use.

jeff

**Dram** · 14th March 10, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Regardless of its age or origin we should probably not go there.

On my monitor it appears as if there is a nice olive colored leather fringe surrounding where the cantle and fur meet. If that is correct that is a color I have not seen before in that use. Very unique, and attractive.

Truly a beautiful piece for your collection and use.

jeff

Thanks. It is an interesting color of green. When I removed the cantle I cleaned, revived the leather, and put a wax coating on it (Rennaisance wax).

**BoldHighlander** · 14th March 10, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Regardless of its age or origin we should probably not go there.

Got'chya....

**csbdr** · 15th March 10, 08:53 AM

Lucky dog! That's definately...ahem...nevermind. Caution on dry leather. I also got a vintage sporran of similar pelt which looked great, including all the cowhide, but after one evening of wearing/opening/closing the skin of the fur actually cracked and was dry-rotted. I'm a bit concerned because you mention VERY dry leather. Just keep an eye on it. Good luck with it! It is stunning!

**Wompet** · 15th March 10, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

Very nice

What kind of fur is that?

*Ahem* Let's go with someone decided it wasn't ****skin, and leave it at that, okay?

Originally Posted by csbdr

Lucky dog! That's definately...ahem...nevermind... It is stunning!

I'll second that - that is one of the nicest nevermind sporrans I've seen. I especially like how the off-white/cream of the trim and tassels provide just enough contrast to accent the nevermind underneath.