18th/19th Century Sporran Tassel Construction

[figheadair]

Previous picture up-load failed.

So try again. Tassel construction on LS sporran.

Very useful, thanks.

Here's another technique, one which I don't pretend to understand fully. It is from a c.1815 sporran in which there are no bells on the tassels but I assume the same technique could have been used and a wide/round top bell added.

This one has three layers: hair; fine cord; and fine metal thread, all formed over a bead of some sort which was presumably attached to the chain first.

[Troglodyte]

Very useful, thanks.

Here's another technique, one which I don't pretend to understand fully. It is from a c.1815 sporran in which there are no bells on the tassels but I assume the same technique could have been used and a wide/round top bell added.

This one has three layers: hair; fine cord; and fine metal thread, all formed over a bead of some sort which was presumably attached to the chain first.

I suspect the tassel has been made in the way shown in the attached picture - the hair tied onto a cord, folded over and tied again to give it form and bulk.

If I were making the tassel in your picture, I would place the fancy thread around the other so that it formed the outer layer when turned and tied for the second time.

If the cord the tassel is tied to is given a knot for the folded-over hair to form around, more bulk and shape could be achieved. Think of the fancy results haberdasher get with their soft-furnishing tassel trims and curtain-ties...

[OC Richard]

I've owned several late 19th century/20th century military sporrans, and civilian "pipers" sporrans made by the same firms, and their horsehair tassels have been made like this.

Here's a pair of Gordon Highlanders tassels.

As you see they take double-length strands of horsehair, fold them in half, and bind them with thick waxed cord.

There's a small loop of cord that the chain (or rope) attaches to.



In situ



Why I had to say "or rope", a Black Watch sporran:

[OC Richard]

About the horsehair body itself, I posted some photos of how the hair is attached on a c1967-c2000 MOD Other Ranks sporran on this thread

https://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/...ch-hair-97321/

[myrmiddon]

Hello All,

Apologies for responding so late-- was having problems replying and getting error codes.

Thanks to all who have replied! There are some really good posts here, which I think have
solved the mystery of how to make a period tassel. I would never have guessed to fold the
horsehair over a ring or knot. Absolute genius.

Cheers!

Alex