Quality Sporrans for less money

[Troglodyte]

Oh? Hmmmmm… right now it’s at £80 plus shipping and about 2 days left in the auction. Looks like it is missing the middle tassel, that would be pretty tough to replace wouldn’t it.. What do you think a fair, price would be for it?

Without seeing under the flap, it is impossible to be sure there once was a middle tassel, and that it is now missing.

The shield motif in the centre looks original to manufacture, and the third tassel may have been left off so as to give the shield full display - as it could be part of personal arms.

Replacing a missing tassel of a piece of this age is not too much of a problem, as there are several suppliers specialising in antique restoration leathers, one of which is in Scotland and holds a Royal Warrant - ie, they supply The Palace. Finding suitable leather is fairly easy, but colour-matching may be a bit more tricky, and may require a trial and error session with dyes.

The most difficult thing will be mathing the construction and style of the existing tassels, but the braiding and rolling can be done acceptably well with a moderate amount of practice and patience.

In other words, if you are thinking of bidding, do not be put off by the lack of a third tassel - this is an excellent vintage sporran that ought to appeal to all collectors. I think the final price might surprise you...