Your thoughts on vintage sporran chains

[gwynng]

I recently made an amazing purchase of kilt related items. The main item of interest was a beautiful old seal sporran. (Pics to come soon.) It came with a chain strap (per usual) but this one is very different from the current chrome plated crap you usually get. It is obviously silver plated because it is tarnished. I wouldn't dare to venture it is solid silver, that would be just too lucky for words, and it has no hallmark, so I am assuming silver plate. The chain is really smooth with solidly soldered links...no burrs. Being one to listen to the kilt wisdom of others, I only wear a sporran with straps or hangers/suspenders. My question is, are sporran chains a bad idea in general for wear on the kilt, or is that advice based on modern chrome sporran chains rather than a really nice chain that is more akin to a pocket watch chain?

[MacCathmhaoil]

Sporran chains that are well made and have no sharp edges are fine. The real problem are the cheap sporran chains that have un-soldered links with rough edges that can cut much the same way as a chainsaw. I have a set of solid silver sporran chains that are made from a very heavy jewellery 22" neck chain, no edges or nasty bits to snag, pull and mar the fabric. The other thing to be cautious of are the wee clips on the ends of some chains and belts, some have burrs on the ends/edges that can snag and catch the fabric due to the repeated movement. A bit of emery can smooth out any sharp bits or you can replace the clips with better quality pieces.

[davidlpope]

Nice vintage sporran chains, particularly long link chains, are fantastic. I've got one that I use for my evening sporran. I look forward to seeing photos. Enjoy!

[artificer]

A nicely made long link chain is a thing of beauty-

I'd gladly wear one for dress, but I'd stay with the one piece strap for daily wear.

ith:

[Downunder Kilt]

For evening wear, I think a well made long link sporran chain cannot be beat. Wish I had one.

[ASinclair]

For evening wear, I think a well made long link sporran chain cannot be beat. Wish I had one.

I agree, and also wish I had one.

[Tobus]

I think you're correct in assuming that the aversion to sporran chains is the result of poorly-made modern ones. A vintage chain with smooth edges and soldered links should be fine.

But just to be safe, you should send it to me for inspection. I promise, my inspection won't take more than a few years before I get it back to you.

[Downunder Kilt]

I think you're correct in assuming that the aversion to sporran chains is the result of poorly-made modern ones. A vintage chain with smooth edges and soldered links should be fine.

But just to be safe, you should send it to me for inspection. I promise, my inspection won't take more than a few years before I get it back to you.

Not that I don't trust your expertise Tobus, but a second opinion is always useful, so please forward it to me after your examination of it.

[MacRobert's Reply]

Congratulations. I too just picked up an old sporran chain with tombstone links. Ideal for formal wear but I'll stick to a strap for day wear.

[Laird_M]

Not that I don't trust your expertise Tobus, but a second opinion is always useful, so please forward it to me after your examination of it.

Ah yes, but if you two disagree, there must be an impartial third vote... (vintage pocket watch - check, vintage pocket watch chain - check, vintage sporran chain...)