seal skin sporrans

**JSFMACLJR** · 16th April 09, 08:04 AM

I have two sealskin sporrans, both quite old:

**ForresterModern** · 16th April 09, 10:45 AM

Okay, now you guys got me salivating like one of Pavlov's dogs. Stop, PLEASE, stop showing us all these gorgeous antique sealskin sporrans that none of us will ever have the opportunity to own or wear.

Okay, maybe just a few more pictures would be alright.

**Jack Daw** · 16th April 09, 10:52 AM

I have a semi-formal with a seal-skin front. It's the only semi-formal sporran that I have and it gets worn quite a bit. I've had it for 10 years.

**Colonel MacNeal** · 16th April 09, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

I have a semi-formal with a seal-skin front. It's the only semi-formal sporran that I have and it gets worn quite a bit. I've had it for 10 years.

Just saw a TV program which showed how eskimos make waterproof sealskin bags. They club the seal (no spears or harpoons which might pierce the skin), remove the skull, and then peel the skin back (slowly) to remove the carcass. They end up with a perfectly intact skin, completely watertight, that they use to store oil. Unsettling to us folks in the lower 48, but very effective for the eskimos. Would make one hell of a sporran.

**JolyStNicholas** · 16th April 09, 11:54 AM

Senior Moment! Will remember what I wanted to POST in a moment!

**Colonel MacNeal** · 16th April 09, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by JolyStNicholas

Senior Moment! Will remember what I wanted to POST in a moment!

Saint Nick should know what the Eskimos are up to, if anyone does.

**Mike S** · 17th April 09, 09:04 PM

I had a beautiful, silver mounted dress sporran made of blond sealskin years ago, but sold it (college era foolishness). It was indeed a lovely sporran, but I can't say I'm unhappy that laws were passed to prevent wholesale killing of this animal.

There has GOT to be a sealskin substitutes that is close enough to make a wholly satisfactory replacement.

**fluter** · 17th April 09, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Mike S

There has GOT to be a sealskin substitutes that is close enough to make a wholly satisfactory replacement.

Every species has its own character. Seal is unique, but in its own way, so is mink.

Beaver has a feel all its own, as marvelous as any other fur---just different. Around here, beavers tend to be a nuisance species.

Unfortunately the pelts would probably not be very good, since the climate is warm.

I actually am fond of muskrat, which makes a garment well suited to southern climes.

**Marshal Moroni** · 17th April 09, 10:01 PM

I am glad this came up. The pics shared are indeed beautiful! Now I know why the classic fur sporrans were made of seal fur, they are brilliant!

I'll settle for something legal.... like the Nayala hide my Step-Dad brought back from Africa. Saving my pennies to have special sporran made out of my share of that hide.

Cheers, and thanks again for the pics.

Marshal Moroni

**turpin** · 18th April 09, 06:26 AM

I am just finishing a seal skin sporran for a forum member. It is made from a piece of recycled ladies coat and has a stamp on the leather side that says "U.S. Gov't Alaska Fur Seal" which I believe gives it legal standing here.