Rob Roy Sporran on Ebay

**cavscout** · 20th July 05, 06:34 AM

While searching ebay I found this "Rob Roy" sporran.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Name=WD1V&rd=1

I'm not considering bidding on it as the price is a joke since I can get it delivered from USA Kilts for less. And to further prevent bidding I've had dealings with this seller before and would never buy from them again. Anyway...

The styles are very similar except that the ebay sporran appears more glossy and less pebbled than the buzz kidder. The Shape of the ebay sporran is more boxy where as the buzz kidder is a more pleasing oval. But other than that the simplicity, tassles and seams are all the same.

My question was about the sporran being discribed as "Rob Roy". Is this an style of sporran like a Nehru Jacket? Is this a knock off of a Buzz Kidder Rob Roy or (no offense) is Buzz Kidders a knock off of this one?

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 20th July 05, 07:10 AM

For starters, here's Rob Roy's sporran:

The style of the "casual" or "day" sporran with tassles is often called a Rob Roy. It changes by the manufacturer, and will generally have a lighter leather bag with tassles. Apparently, there's no copyright or trademark on the Rob Roy sporran since there are SO many variations. I prefer the style of the original.

**macwilkin** · 20th July 05, 07:20 AM

Some of the association of "Rob Roy" McGregor & Highland attire may be due (and this is only a theory, mind you) to Sir Walter Scott. It was Scott who introduced the legend of Rob Roy to the world through his novel, "Rob Roy" (on which the 1995 movie was loosely based),and he also wrote a history of the famous outlaw as well (I found a copy whilst browsing at Barnes & Noble). Given Sir Walter's influence on the 1822 state visit of George VI to Scotland, when the kilt & tartan "mania" began, I wonder if this might have something to do with the association, especially since Rob Roy has become the Scottish version of Robin Hood.

A great web site about the legends and historical facts of Robert McGregor may be found here:

http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/robroy/index.html

Last friday the History Channel ran a very interesting documentary on McGregor -- one of their "Histories Mysteries" series. There was also one of these done on William Wallace. I should order a copy for the library! ;)

Again, it's just a theory.

Cheers,

Todd

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 20th July 05, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Again, it's just a theory.

Maybe so, but your theories are more credible than some people's "facts".;)

'Nuff said on that.

**sav** · 20th July 05, 07:40 AM

Todd,
I saw that program on the History Channel as well! In fact, I have that one and the episode about William Wallace on DVD, and would be happy to *illegally* burn some copies! ;) An interesting fact about how R. McGregor got the name "Rob Roy": It was anglicised from the Gaelic Raibert Ruadh, or Red Robert because he had red hair, which darkened to auburn in later life. Just a useless trivia fact that I was reminded of when I saw this thread...

~Sav

**macwilkin** · 20th July 05, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy Carbomb

Maybe so, but your theories are more credible than some people's "facts".;)

'Nuff said on that.

"Aww, shucks! -- you're just saying that!", he says! ;)

Sav: I missed about 15 minutes of the Rob Roy documentary, and didn't hear the part about Rob's red hair -- thanks for mentioning that!

If you happen to be in the kiddie section of your local movie rental place or the public library, check and see if they have the Disney movie "Rob Roy the Highland Rogue" -- it's great fun! Same wi' Disney's version of "Kidnapped"!

Cheers,

Todd

**sav** · 20th July 05, 07:48 AM

Actually I'm not sure the "red hair" fact was on that show...If I remember correctly, I ran across that while doing some research last year. If I can remember the reference, I'll PM you the book info.
~Sav

**cavscout** · 20th July 05, 08:05 AM

Great information guys. Thanks!

**highlander_Daz** · 20th July 05, 09:11 AM

Ive been in this shop -its based on the Royal mile, its sell mostly crap and the people who run it are as Scottish as a chickin vindaloo!!

**MACKAY** · 20th July 05, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by sav

Actually I'm not sure the "red hair" fact was on that show...If I remember correctly, I ran across that while doing some research last year. If I can remember the reference, I'll PM you the book info.
~Sav

I managed to TiVo both shows this weekend and watch them several times. (Hey, it rained long and hard in the whole weekend here in the North East). They did mention the Red Hair and the Rob Roy translation.

I thought that they (History Channel) did a decent job on both shows. I was even more impressed when it was mentioned that the clan system and associated 'named' tartans as we know them today, did not exist in Rob’s time.

Brian