Help with sporran color

**adDevo** · 26th December 10, 01:55 PM

I'm looking for a sporran with a celtic dog pattern, and found one that I like. It comes in brown and black. The tartan I'm going to wear is the New York City Tartan which has some narrow black stripes, so was thinking that a black sporran would look good. But in the pictures at least, the pattern shows up so much better on the brown version of this one.

http://69.175.39.170/Tradition/Sporr...g-Sporran.html

So I have two questions,

Would a brown sporran look ok?

Anyone have experience with this vendor ScottishQuality.com

**Mikilt** · 26th December 10, 07:29 PM

You are right, the design shows up better on the brown one. However, I'd say that unless you intend your sporran to be the centerpiece of your ensemble, go with the black one. It'll match the kilt better.

**Tartan Hiker** · 26th December 10, 07:54 PM

Well, that sporran certainly isn't cheap! 70 pounds 50 for the version without any of the nice leather lacing. If I were paying that much for a sporran I'd want to be sure that the reason for the high price (in this case, the embossed design) is showcased. In this case, the brown one is striking, but the design is rather lost on the black one.

Spend some time browsing the advertisers' sites here. I bet you can find an equally or even more striking sporran for a lot less cash.

**Mikilt** · 26th December 10, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

Well, that sporran certainly isn't cheap! 70 pounds 50 for the version without any of the nice leather lacing. If I were paying that much for a sporran I'd want to be sure that the reason for the high price (in this case, the embossed design) is showcased. In this case, the brown one is striking, but the design is rather lost on the black one.

Spend some time browsing the advertisers' sites here. I bet you can find an equally or even more striking sporran for a lot less cash.

Yikes! I didn't even look at the prices. 70 pounds is pretty pricey. (around $108 US)

**Downunder Kilt** · 26th December 10, 08:38 PM

Brown leather is traditionally for daywear only while black is acceptable for both day and evening wear. As for the cost, I think 70 GBP is very reasonable for a detailed sporran as that is, if made in Great Britain. I would contact the vendor to ensure that it is a good quality leather and to generally find out some more info about it. I would suggest that if it is not made in great Britain but somewhere in Asia, steer clear of it at that price.

**DesertCeltic** · 26th December 10, 10:53 PM

You could always contact Donnie at Wyvern Leatherworks. He makes handmade sporrans that are simply stunning. I bought one recently and will be buying my next one from him after seeing his amazing work.

**Downunder Kilt** · 26th December 10, 11:43 PM

Just had another look at the advertisment and apparantly the price includes 17.5% tax so as you are in the US (guessing since you are going to wear it with the N Y state tartan) you should get it at a even better price. All the best with your purchase

**Chas** · 27th December 10, 03:40 AM

The price should be in the region of £58.16 without VAT, but before shipping, Making it a bit more viable. Unfortunately, if you want the 4 thong stitching, it would double the price. I do not then think it would be value for money.

This being your first sporran, I would look for something cheaper and closer to home. The thing is, you don't yet know what type of sporran you really need. The advert does not give any sizes, so you don't know if all your stuff will fit. You could make a very costly mistake and buy a sporran that you can't use.

I have just had a re-look at their site and have to say that there is very little that I would call Value For Money. Just as one example, all of their sgian dubh have plastic handles but are priced at twice what Rab Gordon would charge for a hand crafted handle.

If you have your heart set on one of these, wait till you visit Scotland. Go to them and hold one in your hands. If you still love it then buy it.

Regards

Chas

**artificer** · 27th December 10, 07:09 AM

A few thoughts:

1) 70GBP isn't at all expensive for a nice quality sporran. I just don't know if this is a particularly 'quality' piece. Looking at the image of the brown stamped piece, the lower left side of the flap appears to be cut improperly (odd angle to the 'swoop' on the arc).

2) DOUBLING the cost for any hand work tells you that it's all machine made before the cost 'bump'.

3) unless you're going to have multiple sporrans right away, you'd be better served getting ONE good quality black sporran.

4) as Chas said- when in doubt, look at the other items they carry. If everything else is cheap and plasticy, chances are good that they AREN'T all about quality.

If you investigate some of the ad partners here on X-Marks, you'll find better deals on similar pieces, with the piece of mind that comes from knowing WHO you are dealing with.

**azwildcat96** · 27th December 10, 08:54 AM

I believe this is the manufacturers website for these sporrans. http://www.caledoniancreations.com/default.htm And the one you are looking at is a bit more reasonably priced here too.

I have one of the semi-dress models with the bovine fur and three tassels, and it is very well made, and roomy too. I think you will be pleased with the sporran.