Project Blog - Historic Sporrans / Brass Cantle Project

**ThistleDown** · 17th November 10, 09:12 PM

Scott, I'm coming into the middle of this super thread so my apologies in advance if this has already been discussed.

The old MoD cantles have little protrusions on the inside over which holes in the leather of the sporran fits. These don't appear on the face and do allow for considerable adjustment on the inside for the maker.

Without going further (and I can take/post pics if you wish), do you know what I am referring to?

Rex

**artificer** · 18th November 10, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by Harold Cannon

Will you be selling the cantles by themselves or just complete sporrans? I personally would like to make my own bags to mount to them.

At this point I have no plans to sell the cantles on their own. I have a good number of individuals on the 'wait list' for completed ones, and I don't know how large a run this will be. I'd rather not over-commit and sell piecemeal.

Originally Posted by thescot

Scott, your expertise and general cool are always welcome. I don't know how I've missed this thread to date, but obviously I've been way too busy.

I really look forward to seeing where this goes. Thanks for a very interesting thread.

Thanks Jim, it's going... slowly

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Scott, I'm coming into the middle of this super thread so my apologies in advance if this has already been discussed.

The old MoD cantles have little protrusions on the inside over which holes in the leather of the sporran fits. These don't appear on the face and do allow for considerable adjustment on the inside for the maker.

Without going further (and I can take/post pics if you wish), do you know what I am referring to?

Rex

No worries, Rex. We decided to steer clear of the 'stud' attachment method for several 'industrial' reasons. The cantles will have holes for lacing the bag onto it along the lower semi-circular edge.

From the first page:

They don't appear on the CAD drawing because they will not be cast in, but rather drilled. This will allow for me to vary the spacing/size of the holes for various materials.

**Harold Cannon** · 23rd November 10, 08:31 AM

Please let us know if you do decide to sell the cantles seperatly in the future. I would be greatly interested in buying at least one of each.

**Harold Cannon** · 13th December 10, 08:50 AM

So how are the cantles coming along?

**artificer** · 14th December 10, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Harold Cannon

So how are the cantles coming along?

One of my greatest frustrations is having to rely on other individuals' schedules in my personal projects. (It's one of the reasons I prefer to work alone

) I'm still waiting on my smith to finish the CAD plans. I'll be harassing him again this evening- but not too much...

Since he's doing this in the shop's 'down time' and not charging me for the drafting time (a trade), I really can't complain too loudly. It IS a great source of vexation, though.

My great hope is that, shortly after the new year, I will have the final plans in hand, verified, and ready to cut masters.

After that, it's just a matter of how many I can afford to cast in the run.

As I mentioned earlier, Harold, I really don't know IF I'll be in a position to sell any of the cantles separately. I've got a fairly long list of interested individuals that want complete sporrans. I want to make sure that I've got cantles for them before I even consider piecing anything out.

On to happier news, I've finalized the plans and "order of operations" for the first two "MacLeay" sporrans (with leather cantles) and am hoping to start cutting the first one over the holiday break.

Once my woodshop in the garage warms to a more civilized temperature (it's currently 4*f outside) I'll start cutting the master for the first pewter "MacLeay" cantle as well. Then it's RTV silicone mould making and pewter pouring.

Edit: speak of the devil! My smith just rang me up. He apologized for being so busy (he was on his way from the foundry to his secondary, part time job). He should have all revisions (both mine and the foundry's) next week for final approval. If they look good to me, the master gets cut and a test run is ordered. If the demo pieces are good, we go to production on the round top* just after the first of the year!

*this depends a bit on the size of the flask that the casters want to use. IF they'd like to go larger or can fit two in a 'single' flask, we may have to wait a bit for the angled top to be mastered- although this is a pretty small adjustment from the first style, so hopefully won't take too much additional time.

**artificer** · 22nd December 10, 06:26 AM

True to his word, my smith showed up last night, files in hand!

So far, I've only spotted one thing which needs alteration, and that is the lower arms of the cantle need to be rounded off and not squared.

All else appears to be to-spec.

And we've got a tiny movie of the basic cantle function

I've also found a reliable source for 'classic' pigskin for bag bodies, to really get that old school look. The pebbled, slightly velvety hand is one that I really like.

As always, constructive commentary and critique is welcome.

ith:

**Ryan Ross** · 22nd December 10, 06:31 AM

It looks WONDERFUL- absolutely classic! Other than the small detail you mentioned, I wouldn't change a thing, either. I bet these things are really going to be something!

**ShaunMaxwell** · 22nd December 10, 07:38 AM

These are going to be some fantastic sporrans! I always enjoy following your threads, and this is the best yet. Looking forward to seeing what's next...

SM