New Line of Sporrans

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 30th August 07, 03:55 AM

Yes, Ron, exactly. These are in no way meant as a replacement for your Buzz Kidder sporrans or your Stillwater Nightstalker. It's like comparing a hand stitched Kinloch Anderson kilt (or Barb Tewskbury or Kathy Lare), to a Stillwater standard or Sportkilt. You can't really compare them, they are on different levels. And given that you can easily spend $300 to $400 on a dress sporran from a lot of the finer Highland Dress retailers, this line really compares favorably in terms of the quality you'll be getting at that price point.

And I'm glad MacWage pointed out seeing these at the Greenville Games. In my mind, this is the kind of product whose quality really comes through once you are able to see it in person and hold it in your hands.

One of the models we have in the store is a Glen uasil in dark brown. This is plain leather, non fur. It's sitting on the rack surrounded by beautiful fur sporrans (some Ferguson Britt, some L&M), and the past couple of weeks it has gotten the most comments and compliments from those who walk past it. This plain brown leather sporran shines out because of the very high quality both in the materials used and the construction.

FYI, for those attending the Stone Mountain Highland Games this October, I've asked Adron Britt to make up a bunch of sporrans in different styles for us to have available at our tent there at the Games. And he may be hanging around a while to talk to folks, answer questions, etc.

Like I said previously, I have one of his beaver fur Glengyle models. I bought it thinking I'd wear it mostly for more formal occasions, though the style allows for it to be worn more casually as well. However, since then I've found myself wearing it nearly every chance I get, I just like the feel of it that much.

I'll try to take some close-up detail pictures of mine to post here and give some idea of what you can expect in person.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 30th August 07, 04:39 AM

Here are some photos of the one that I wear (did I mention that in addition to a new sporran, I just got a new digital camera?).

This is the Glengyle style with black beaver fur. No this is not a black overdyed beaver, like the one pictured on our web site. This is a natural beaver fur, it just so happens to be a very dark colored beaver (from Quebec, I'm told, so it has a slight French accent).

The leather cantle is made from deer hide, and the braids are all elk. Oh, and the leather belt that is pictured is included when you purchase a sporran.

Here is a picture of the back. You can see that the back is made from deer hide, as well. This one is made to fit a normal sporran belt (which I think looks better on this Glengyle style, but it's available both ways). The maker's mark is a neat stamp in the shape of a sporran with "Ferguson Britt" on it.

Here's a close-up of the all leather cantle. This is really where the cost of the sporran comes from. The thickness and sturdiness of this thing is incredible. I forget how many layers of leather he told me were in it, but it is solid. There is an elk hide knot at the top that the center tassel braid loops around for a closure.

Here is what it looks like open, looking in from the top. I've got big hands, and I have no problem getting my maws inside. Note that some of the styles of sporran are smaller or larger than others, so he makes them for men of all builds (people seem to really like larger sporrans, because you can hold more stuff in them, but a smaller sporran may look better on a smaller gentleman). You can also see the elk suede lining on the inside.

Laslty, here's my "what's in your sporran" shot. Here is what I typically carry in my sporran with ease: leather bi-fold wallet, my car/house keys, my work keys, my cell phone, some change, and my checkbook (with a thick leather cover, I must add). Ok, so I don't usually carry my checkbook in my sporran, but I included it because sometimes I do, and when I do it easily fits in there. Without it, there is no shortage of room.

And did I mention the best thing about the beaver fur sporran? You just gotta pet it!

~M

**1MUNK3** · 9th October 08, 07:28 AM

I know this threads a little old, but I must say I've been a huge fan of these sporrans. My favourites being the Duin Uasal Mor in Black and Dark Brown and the Glengyle Fur in Skunk, Bobcat, and Fox. I like making my own stuff but sometimes you have to support fellow craftsman and this guys stuff is worth it. So I guess this would be considered a bump for an excellent product. Oh, if you're looking for a classic style Jacobite sporran cuz you either like the look or are a re-enactor of the period the Duin Uasal Mor will fit the bill nicely (actually all of them will work, but I've seen that style in many period paintings).

**McFarkus** · 9th October 08, 08:33 PM

I have the Glengyle in a natural Canadian beaver with black cantle. Just wore it to a concert tonight.

**Panache** · 9th October 08, 09:30 PM

I was given a black mink one from my lovely Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess, I just love it. Out of my 9 (9? Good Grief! 9!) sporrans this is one of my two favorites, and out of all of them the most versatile.

Cheers

Jamie

**JRB** · 10th October 08, 07:12 AM

Well, I have to confess my first reaction to the FB sporrans was that they were too much...too fancy, too fussy, too frilly. Then I found myself returning to the FB sporran page over and over just to scroll through all of them and admire the amazing quality and attention to detail. What finally broke me down was when a couple XMarkers posted pictures of themselves wearing their new FB sporrans. Now, I have one in black leather and wishing I had another one in brown muskrat.

**Panache** · 10th October 08, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by JRB

... What finally broke me down was when a couple XMarkers posted pictures of themselves wearing their new FB sporrans...

Gee that story sounds awfully familiar!

Cheers

Jamie

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 10th October 08, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by JRB

Well, I have to confess my first reaction to the FB sporrans was that they were too much...too fancy, too fussy, too frilly. Then I found myself returning to the FB sporran page over and over just to scroll through all of them and admire the amazing quality and attention to detail. What finally broke me down was when a couple XMarkers posted pictures of themselves wearing their new FB sporrans. Now, I have one in black leather and wishing I had another one in brown muskrat.

I have a couple of muskrat fur ones on special now. Black leather, not brown, but the fur is brown. :-)
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/...fbspecial.html

Of course you could always order one made with brown leather, but I figured this way you could save a few bucks.

**JRB** · 10th October 08, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

I have a couple of muskrat fur ones on special now. Black leather, not brown, but the fur is brown. :-)

Of course you could always order one made with brown leather, but I figured this way you could save a few bucks.

Oh how I wish I could take you up on that one, Matt. Unfortunately, I'm still out of work. It's been over five months and the current economic situation isn't helping any. Anyway, I see no fancy sporrans in my immediate future. Thanks for the info, though.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 10th October 08, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by JRB

Well, I have to confess my first reaction to the FB sporrans was that they were too much...too fancy, too fussy, too frilly. Then I found myself returning to the FB sporran page over and over just to scroll through all of them and admire the amazing quality and attention to detail. What finally broke me down was when a couple XMarkers posted pictures of themselves wearing their new FB sporrans. Now, I have one in black leather and wishing I had another one in brown muskrat.

That sounds exactly like me. :-)