The SPORRAN that started it all...

**creagdhubh** · 18th June 13, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by imrichmond

My first sporran was a small, brown leather one that was issued to my father when he joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in 1940. He transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (he was a qualified electrician) after a few months, but somehow managed to hang on to his kilt and sporran, both of which he wore at his wedding in 1942. I have a copy of my parents' wedding photo showing him wearing the sporran and the A & S kilt. Alas, the kilt was sold when he emigrated to Canada, but I still have the sporran, although I have not worn it for years. Here's the sporran in question:

Attachment 12318

This was pretty much the same style and colour has my "wee bairn" sporran I wore as a yound lad. Simple and functional.

**TheOfficialBren** · 18th June 13, 01:21 PM

These are some great stories. Thank you for posting photos and links, chaps.

:-)

**OC Richard** · 18th June 13, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by imrichmond

My first sporran was a small, brown leather one that was issued to my father when he joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in 1940. He transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (he was a qualified electrician) after a few months, but somehow managed to hang on to his kilt and sporran, both of which he wore at his wedding in 1942. I have a copy of my parents' wedding photo showing him wearing the sporran and the A & S kilt. Alas, the kilt was sold when he emigrated to Canada, but I still have the sporran, although I have not worn it for years. Here's the sporran in question:

Attachment 12318

That is so awesome! What a wonderful relic to have.

Here is the same sporran, worn by an Argyll

**MacTavishOfJapan** · 18th June 13, 08:49 PM

The first sporran I bought is actually what lead me to here many moons ago, a Freelander and a truly amazing sporran it is.

**MacGumerait** · 19th June 13, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Wow that sounds familiar!

You young'uns have to remember that there was no internet at that time, so living out in the sticks as I did, I had no access to anything until I got my hands on that catalogue.

That catalogue, to me, was like the Sears Wish Book! Page after page of things I had only seen occasional photos of, mostly on the covers of my few precious bagpipe albums. Here on these pages everything was photographed in detail, with names and prices. It was my introduction to the wonderful world of Highland Dress.

I wish I had one of those catalogues now! I'd scan the thing and post it here.

OC , it sounds like we had a similar experience growing up . The Scottish Shopper catalogue was also my only outlet to Scottish attire back in the day , especially here in southern IN .

My grandparents and great grandparents were all immigrants from Scotland and I was raised by them , however , we had very few options for obtaining Highland attire here in the states back at that time . As you said , back in the 70's there was no internet , thus everything was mail order ... or heaven forbid ... a long distance phone call !

I can certainly appreciate the enthusiasm of the Scottish Shopper catalogue , I too thought it was better that the Sears Wish Book !

I think I may have an old copy packed away , I will do some digging and let you know .

The Official Bren , I apologize for getting off topic . Your thread has proven to have some unique results .

Best , Mike

**TheOfficialBren** · 19th June 13, 06:52 PM

Not at all, Mike! No worries. I am interested in the varried responses. Everyone's story is unique and enlightening.

**creagdhubh** · 20th June 13, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

That is so awesome! What a wonderful relic to have.

Here is the same sporran, worn by an Argyll

Interestingly, there are several of these sporrans up on eBay at the moment.

**OC Richard** · 21st June 13, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Interestingly, there are several of these sporrans up on eBay at the moment.

Hmmm... I haven't seen a good one though! One has been mutilated with the addition of a badge above the stud, and one is a Boy Scout sporran, which is identical but smaller. I'll have to check again.

Note that The Black Watch used a similar pattern but lacking the tassels.

**creagdhubh** · 21st June 13, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

Hmmm... I haven't seen a good one though! One has been mutilated with the addition of a badge above the stud, and one is a Boy Scout sporran, which is identical but smaller. I'll have to check again.

Note that The Black Watch used a similar pattern but lacking the tassels.

I have seen the sporrans you are referring to, but there were two in the style of the Argyll Highlanders shown above - both located in Canada and were in very nice condition.