Is there any meaning to the type of fur on your sporran

**D.A. Guertin** · 23rd February 10, 11:51 AM

If you don't plan on ever selling it, you're usually OK, but it's walking a dangerous line. In general, some kind of paperwork is highly recommended *before* you cannibalise whatever you've got. I have 'repurposed' antique items that were irreparable and or useless in the state they were in when I got them, but I'm always careful to document everything from start to finish, just in case.

**Canuck of NI** · 23rd February 10, 11:57 AM

[reply to MacBean]: As a fly fishing person, my advice is more practical than legal but for sure my First Nations friends are the only people who are allowed to possess the feathers of birds of prey, and even they require formal proof of status certificates both for themselves and their ritual feathers if they cross the Canada-US border in either direction. Polar bear and similar popular animals' fur has been banned in both countries, according to my fly-tying sources. Seal fur may not be imported into the USA and probably is the last thing to invoke the death penalty in the EU [that last is a JOKE]. Nobody appears to notice the seal fur on my sporran (it does look a lot like cow), but I have several arctic parkas (Canada Goose brand, a fine line of products made here, advt) that have coyote fur ruffed hoods and these provoke dark, dark looks from PETA types. The fur is however almost essential in really cold environments as it sheds condensation from one's breath, so the PETA folks have to lump it in my books. Which is not to say I wouldn't like it if the coyotes died of happiness instead of the probable harvesting method. As far as grandfathering of previously acquired materials goes, even if it exists it won't save you from the disapproval of the urban citizen but as stated I'm not sure about the legalities- except for the above-mentioned feathers, which are seriously banned.

**Jack Daw** · 23rd February 10, 12:14 PM

The largest wins.

**Sir William** · 23rd February 10, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by mull

...And why not sheep hide with the hair on, similar to goat? Surely some sheep would occasionaly drop off a hill unsheared on occasion.
Joe

I saw a vendor at the Gathering in Edinburgh this summer that had some beautiful sheep sporrans. I was very tempted to get one in particular, but the wife didn't agree with my "need" for another sporran.

**MacBean** · 23rd February 10, 05:23 PM

I am guessing that US laws do not restrict what we do with endangered animal skins in our possession as long as we don't bring them into the country, but please don't cite me as an authority!! The UK may be stricter, but enforcement of their recent sporran laws could be problematic, making risking it even more troublesome.

The Fish and Wildlife Service in the USA has restrictions on imports and we can contact the Management Authority at 1-800-358-2104. Pressing Option 3 will provide you with general information, and Option 4 will connect you to the permits section. You may import antiques containing wildlife parts with documentation proving they are at least 100 years old. Certain other requirements for antiques may apply.

**Smayniac** · 23rd February 10, 09:31 PM

When I converted my "antique" badger stole into a sporran I did document the process pictorially and put the original furrier's label back on the finished product. Another member later said my critter looked like an endangered UK badger, so I won't be taking him there.

Bob

**Phil** · 24th February 10, 02:38 AM

I read recently that fur coats are becoming fashionable again which seems at odds with the direction that bans such as seal fur are going. It will be interesting to see if my wife can soon release her mink from its imorisonment in the back of her cupboard. As to the significance of furs on sporans, I can't think of any other than what is available, at the right price and the wearer likes the look of it.

**Mael Coluim** · 24th February 10, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

I think 30 years ago you would have had a lot of company in that desire.....

Yeah, many years (40 years ago for me, FM) ago, in my college dorm I had a poster of her leaning on a motorcycle. It got my engine running.

**Mael Coluim** · 24th February 10, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Sir William

I saw a vendor at the Gathering in Edinburgh this summer that had some beautiful sheep sporrans. I was very tempted to get one in particular, but the wife didn't agree with my "need" for another sporran.

What does need have to do with it, Bill?

Oh, yeah the need to keep in good relations with the better half!