From Medieval Purse To Military Uniform

[Darkislander]

A sporran is based on the medieval purse, a bag with a simple drawstring that was used to carry everything from money to small weapons. Early sporrans were made from leather or skin. Deer and calf were popular. By the 14th century, sporrans were more elaborate in design as they came to have a fashionable as well as practical use. From the 18th century, sporrans were fitted with metal clasps, usually of brass, or silver for a clan chief. The elaborate clasps became works of art in themselves. Around the same period, a goat-hair sporran molach -a hairy sporran-was introduced by the military. These often had flap tops and large tassels and featured a variety of furs and hair, such as fox and horse, or occasionally sealskin, set off with a badger's head. Horsehair sporrans were worn as regimental attire. Dress sporrans have been made from sealskin since the 18th century, but there is already a ban on the use of badger heads, wild cat heads, otter skin and Arctic fox fur. Sealskin is now to join these banned products. Alternatives include pony hide much to the shock of animal lovers

[JolyStNicholas]

Very informative post. Learning is an everyday event here on XMarks!

Thank you for sharing!

[The Wizard of BC]

As far as we know the only animal that is not covered by some ban somewhere is the Arctic Acrylabeast.
Of course you first must have a dirigible.

[JSFMACLJR]

Dress sporrans have been made from sealskin since the 18th century, but there is already a ban on the use of badger heads, wild cat heads, otter skin and Arctic fox fur. Sealskin is now to join these banned products. Alternatives include pony hide much to the shock of animal lovers

A shame, really. There are so many absolutely beautiful sporrans made of otter, wild cat, pine marten and badger masks.

[KFCarter]

As far as we know the only animal that is not covered by some ban somewhere is the Arctic Acrylabeast.
Of course you first must have a dirigible.

Not for long. I understand that PATMAF (People for the Anthropomorphic Treatment of Man-made Acrylic Fiber) is lobbying Congress as we speak.

[puffer]

Thankfully, here in the PNW (USA) we still can use furs ( often trapped by "local trappers" or hunters.) Fox, Beaver, Bear, etc. As far as I know, the only "major ones banned is SEAL.& wolves ???

Puffer

[Panache]

As far as we know the only animal that is not covered by some ban somewhere is the Arctic Acrylabeast.
Of course you first must have a dirigible.

That would be the second time the Lesser Acrylabeasts have been brought to the brink of extinction and required protection.

Of course the last known Greater Arctic Acryli Beast was killed under curious circumstances fairly recently.

Cheers

Jamie

[dfmacliam]

So, is otter illegal in Scotland? So having a sporran made of otter in the States, just considered bad taste?

[highland mafia]

I should get a squirrel skin sporran...... I flipping hate squirrels. Rats with good PR! Lots a sporrans that's the answer for my garden!

[JSFMACLJR]

So, is otter illegal in Scotland? So having a sporran made of otter in the States, just considered bad taste?

I wear an otter mask sporran quite frequently. I certainly don't consider it in bad taste to wear it.