Brass Cantled Sporrans - Need Historical Guidance

**BobsYourUncle** · 25th August 10, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

Sounds like you've covered all the bases. The "cup-and-ring" stamping/engraving seems to be the most frequently occuring decorative motif on period sporrans. Here are some images I've saved:

And this guy reproduces some of the stepped type cantles you mention:

http://www.ncmilne.co.uk/sporrans/sporrans.html

I would love to find out how the metal for the cantle is formed into the semi circle with three sides, i.e. a front surface, a back surface and a top. Can the metal be formed that way on a press, or must it be poured into a form? Can you get that info from your metal working friend? Inquiring minds want to know!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 25th August 10, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by BobsYourUncle

I would love to find out how the metal for the cantle is formed into the semi circle with three sides, i.e. a front surface, a back surface and a top. Can the metal be formed that way on a press, or must it be poured into a form? Can you get that info from your metal working friend? Inquiring minds want to know!

The cantle on my sporran is made from strips soldered together.

**BobsYourUncle** · 25th August 10, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

The cantle on my sporran is made from strips soldered together.

Understood. However, I have several military sporrans [MoD] in which the cantle seems to be a single piece of metal, unless I am missing something...The brass cantle in the middle of Woodsheal's set of photos likewise does not seem to have the kind of seams I would expect when strips are soldered together. Hence my puzzlement as to how it they were formed...

**artificer** · 26th August 10, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by BobsYourUncle

I would love to find out how the metal for the cantle is formed into the semi circle with three sides, i.e. a front surface, a back surface and a top.

In most cases, the front of the cantle is only two visible sides; the front face and semi-circular top. The back 'face' is a separate piece that hinges down at the bottom where the lowest knob is (assuming there is a knob there, some lack them).

**figheadair** · 26th August 10, 07:45 AM

We have one in the family that's first half C18th with a sand cast bronze cantle as opposed to brass. Very nice. Will see if I can lay my hands on it and post a couple of pics.

**artificer** · 26th August 10, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

We have one in the family that's first half C18th with a sand cast bronze cantle as opposed to brass. Very nice. Will see if I can lay my hands on it and post a couple of pics.

I would love to see it if you could arrange that.

Do you know if it's original finish was bronze, or if there was a silver plating done to it?

**figheadair** · 27th August 10, 04:31 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

I would love to see it if you could arrange that.

Do you know if it's original finish was bronze, or if there was a silver plating done to it?

Should be able to get some pics in the next week. Wait out

**figheadair** · 29th August 10, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

I would love to see it if you could arrange that.

Do you know if it's original finish was bronze, or if there was a silver plating done to it?

Here are some pics. No evidence of there ever being silver plating.

**artificer** · 29th August 10, 08:34 AM

WOW!
Thank you for getting the piece and taking time to put up these wonderful shots!

What a beautiful piece. I love how much variety there was in these pieces. It kind of makes me sad that today so much of the kilting world never sees these.

Congratulations to you and yours for having managed to keep such a treasure in the family.

**MacBean** · 29th August 10, 02:28 PM

[QUOTE=figheadair;907327]Here are some pics. No evidence of there ever being silver plating.

This is a truly useful, and substantial offering, for which you are due many thanks. It settles a question I've had for a while now: that style of ornamentation, quite common once, was constructed, not cast. It is obvious here in the different colors of metal between the engraved cantle and the round blobs. It also shows more detail on the catch, which is nice. Perhaps not so different to make after all.