Today I got an old souvenir head-on alligator purse in the mail which might make a perfect sporran. The dimensions (7"h X 9" w)are very close to a traditional sporran, if maybe slightly wider than most. The little critter and his skin seem to be OK, if dry, but the suede cloth gussets are just about shot. The whole thing is lined in the same brittle suede cloth. I gave him a bath in baby oil, just to soften him up a little, but I am debating what to do next.

The gussets are laced on, with what looks to be vinyl ( so much for the purity of primitive cultures ) craft lacing, but there is some machine stitching of gator skin panels as well. There is a flat gator skin bottom. I had in mind to either cut away the panels and glue in new goatskin ( suede) gussets or maybe cut away the lacing and relace the goatskin gussets using the existing holes. I would have to sew or lace by hand, or use glue. I have plenty of goatsuede to play with.

Does anyone have any experience with vintage reptile skins? Am I asking for heartbreak? I have recently acquired an old fox stole and know too well how fragile old skins can become.

If nothing else, I can re-use the gator flap and maybe the front.

Suggestions? Advice?

Many thanks