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  1. #1
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    Historical link for skunk or raccoon full face sporran?

    I am interesting in getting a skunk or raccoon sporran. The one I get will become my "go to" sporran. As I was looking at various pictures, I had a thought. Are there any historical links to a skunk or raccoon sporran? Are there any regiments or groups that favored these sporrans? Its just a thought, Im not interested in acquiring/creating reproduction.

    sanx
    Craig

  2. #2
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    To the best of my knowledge, skunk are a New World species, as are raccoon.

    I've never seen an historical reference to any full mask apart from badger or muskrat.

    ith:


    :edit - after further research I find that the raccoon has been introduced to mainland N. Europe (Germany, France), parts of the former USSR, and Japan.

    That said, none of these is likely to have spawned a Highland fashion trend for skunk or raccoon full masks
    Last edited by artificer; 22nd April 12 at 02:44 PM.

  3. #3
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    What Scott said. None of either, outside of the Americas, that I've ever heard of.
    Last edited by Ryan Ross; 22nd April 12 at 03:44 PM.

  4. #4
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    It looks like there may be a basis for raccoon sporrans among the 84th Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment.

    http://www.uelac.org/Military/Young-Emigrants.php
    Last edited by davidlpope; 22nd April 12 at 03:19 PM.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post
    It looks like there may be a basis for raccoon sporrans among the 84th Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment.

    http://www.uelac.org/Military/Young-Emigrants.php
    "Lieut.Col. Allan MACLEAN/MCLEAN recruited veteran Highlanders who had settled in the colonies:' & "84th. Regiment of Foot, (Royal Highland Emigrants), consisted of full highland costume with belted plaid and raccoon sporran with the facings and regimental tartan of the Black Watch, (42nd), Regiment."

    I dont think I need anymore of an excuse to get a coon sporran. Ive always thought they were pretty kewl critters, I even saved a family out of a dumpster.

    sanx David.

  6. #6
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    Yep, thats pretty much what I based my choice on. I researched a little on the 84th, as they were raised from on this side of the Atlantic and ran with it. There would be no firm proof of head on raccoon for the regiment, but their choice was still my inspiration when I sought out the ultilitarian all-purpose day and evening sporran for that just-if-I-should-need-it moment. I've worn it to one wedding, and it wasnt mine because of the wife's insistance .
    From others who have skunk, I think they can look rather debonnaire though.

  7. #7
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    Having searched all the re-enactment sites for the 84th and any other site that refers to them (and any paintings, pictures etc) I have no doubt that they had raccoon fur sporrans. I do however find it a bridge too far to say that they had racoon full mask sporrans.

    All photos of the re-enactors show either a flap over fur or what could be classed as fur sporran in the shape of modern day formal fur sporran. I did find one re-enactment photo of a gent wearing a levee style racoon sporran with what appeared to be a brass cantle and bullion tassels
    Shoot straight you bastards. Don't make a mess of it. Harry (Breaker) Harbord Morant - Bushveldt Carbineers

  8. #8
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    Two men are depicted wearing racoon full mask sporrans in The Highlanders of Scotland, Alexander and Archibald MacKintosh.

    Both were Scots born in Scotland and painted in Scotland, however there is an American connexion:

    "Alexander's great-uncle, Donald Mor, was in the Army; he received a Lieutenant's commission and accompanied his regiment to America in 1757, where he fought in many actions, including the taking of Quebec. Returning to Scotland with a pension, he became tenant of the farm of Brunachan."

    In any case it's interesting to see Scots wearing racoon sporrans in the 1860s.
    Proud Mountaineer from the Highlands of West Virginia; son of the Revolution and Civil War; first Europeans on the Guyandotte

  9. #9
    georgeetta is offline Registration terminated at the member's request
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    heard of raccoon in the American Revolution not sure of Reg't .

    d

  10. #10
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    I find this discussion interesting. I plan on acquiring a kilt in the Pennsylvania tartan, which is based on the Black Watch tartan and the colors of the flag of Pennsylvania. Of course, the Black Watch was present in Pennsylvania in the form of the 42nd Highlanders at the Battle of Bushy Run in 1763. Since the 42nd was in America from 1758-1767, I wonder if any of them wore raccoon or skunk? Or did they simply continue to wear the same sporrans they had for the preceeding 10 years while stationed in Ireland? I mean, couldn't a sporran have been damaged or worn out and need replacement while in the Colonies? If so, I may need to reevaluate getting a fur sporran. Anyone have a clue or know where I might find some information on this?
    Last edited by FatherWilliam57; 16th July 12 at 07:23 PM.
    The Rev. William B. Henry, Jr.
    "With Your Shield or On It!"

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