Metalwork for Sporrans and Belts

**An t-Ileach** · 1st July 05, 11:48 AM

As a saddler, I have had a lot of offcuts of English bridle leather which I turn into sporrans, belts, and sporran belts (I don't like chains, although I will make chained belts if people are persuasive enough).

However, the metalwork (cantles, tassle balls, buckles) I either get as pewter from ClanArt (same as Craigie, Margaret Morrison, and others do), or I find odd stuff at auctions and in markets like Portobello Road. For decorations, I often use the ornaments used for harness.

My question is, therefore, is anybody able to suggest suppliers who make good brass, nickel, and silver furniture for Highland Regalia, as pewter has its limitations? And I really don't want to get stuff from India and Pakistan.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 1st July 05, 12:06 PM

Ah another sporran maker ...Welcome .

Firstly We have begun to use a local supplier for our pewter designs . However we aren't too pleased with the results as yet.. Time will tell. We have also aproched a local silversmith ..However like anything here in Scandinavia they want so much money for what they do the point really goes out of it really.

It's rather funny that we have good access to antler and hide and also some furs but Cantles are a non stsrter here in Norway. On the womens Bunad(National dress) there is a purse with a very cantle like design which you attach some embroidered material so we have thought about trying one of thoose again they are expensive so we will have to wait until we find a good source ..I know this doesn't help much it's just more of I know how you feel...

**dano9672** · 25th July 05, 07:28 AM

As a worker of metal as well as leather I would like to try my hand at making a cantle. My problem is I have no model to go from. Perhaps if someone would post some detailed photos of the working bits and how they attach?

(hint, hint)

**bubba** · 25th July 05, 08:23 AM

dano, even better, contact Jerry at Stillwater Kilts and buy one of his cantle sets. They aren't very expensive and that way you could get a much better look at how it's done than from a picture and you'd be able to get decent measurements as well. It would serve you well as a basic pattern.

**A Dhuglas** · 20th December 05, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by An t-Ileach

As a saddler, I have had a lot of offcuts of English bridle leather which I turn into sporrans, belts, and sporran belts (I don't like chains, although I will make chained belts if people are persuasive enough).

However, the metalwork (cantles, tassle balls, buckles) I either get as pewter from ClanArt (same as Craigie, Margaret Morrison, and others do), or I find odd stuff at auctions and in markets like Portobello Road. For decorations, I often use the ornaments used for harness.

My question is, therefore, is anybody able to suggest suppliers who make good brass, nickel, and silver furniture for Highland Regalia, as pewter has its limitations? And I really don't want to get stuff from India and Pakistan.

In the beginning stages leading up to a sporran-making attempt. I absorb info first and go from there. Cantles are as scarce as hen's teeth once you go exploring. Morrison in Scotland has some nice ones but I'm not looking to do a GBP500 order. David: does ClanArt have a website?

**Rab Gordon** · 21st December 05, 03:49 AM

I've done belt buckles, kilt pins, etc. but I'd like to have a go at making a cantle when I get some spare time. The easiest style to start with would be a design that I can cut out of flat sheet silver or brass if anyone has a template.

Rab

http://www.rainnea.com/custom-celtic-jewellery.htm