17th and 18th Century reproduction sporrans

[figheadair]

I would first ask the question "how much do we know about what 17th century sporrans looked like?"

From the get-go we would have to dismiss sporrans in museums, unless they have a date engraved on them.

The earliest clear detailed colour image of Highland Dress is a full length portrait said to have been painted around 1660. I'm looking at it and I can't make out a sporran. (Sorry this image is so small!)

You're right, there is no sporran shown. It was painted c1680, not 1660.

That's it for the 17th century as far as I know. Which means there can be no such thing as a "reproduction 17th century sporran".

It's a point well made. That said, we can assume that the sporrans in portaits and pictures before c1720 weren't suddenly invented and that they probably represent sytles that were around in the late 17th century.

[Luke MacGillie]

OP, to answer your question about West Historical Sales, they have relocated to Portugal. Will be starting back up soon.

As Etsy and other online platforms are pushing "Free Shipping" for US sellers, they had to delete their store totally, otherwise Etsy would be requiring them to ship from Portugal to the US for free.

They will be back up and running soon.

As to the sporrans they produce, they are copied off of 3 "18th Century" non cantled sporrans that survive in museum collections. All 3 share the same pattern, especially in how the flap and hanger strap are one piece of leather doubled and sewn, the 3 leather knots to close and the gathered bag. These sporrans, when copied in the exact size caused all kinds of hate and discontent among reenactors, as they couldnt fit a modern wallet an Ipad in the sporran. I kept a small bag of coins and a my flint and steel kit and the keys to my Tea Caddy and Wiskey canteen and it works perfectly.

Luke.