What have we here?

fosgate3 · Feb 21, 2018

I hope I am posting this in the right spot. I wanted to let FMD give a shot at this before I went elsewhere.

Can anyone tell me what I have here?
As the story goes, my grandfather sent this to my grandmother when he was a Merchant Marine during WW2. I was told he got it in Scotland when he was passing through the area. The flap part on the back opens up. I don't know what the symbol represents.

Thanks in advance. I appreciate everyone's time.

hawgdawg · Feb 21, 2018

I have no idea , but will be watching to learn . It's in really nice condition as well .

fosgate3 · Feb 21, 2018

I wish I had more information about it. I don't know where in Scotland he found it, or if it was in Scotland de facto or if in the UK in general. I hope someone can recognize it.

Longhair · Feb 21, 2018

It's called a Sporran. It's like a Scot's possibles bag.

GKL · Feb 21, 2018

Here are some links -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporran

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Secret-of-Scotsmans-Sporran/

fosgate3 · Feb 21, 2018

How interesting! Thank you.

Any clue about the metal symbol on it?

Longhair · Feb 21, 2018

Likely just the cross of St. Andrew.

dirtykneese · Feb 22, 2018

I was going to guess a coin purse.

I am surprised Gary did no fill it up with something.. :laughing:

KEN

T-Man · Feb 22, 2018

Longhair said:
It's called a Sporran. It's like a Scot's possibles bag.

I knew what it was just not what it was called. Was going to say kilt nut sack cover but didn't think that was the correct terminology. :lol:

fosgate3 · Feb 22, 2018

fosgate3 · Feb 22, 2018

I will have to research the Cross of St. Andrew some. From what I see with a cursory search, it does not look the same. I found a description of the design as it would appear on a coat of arms though, and that's a start: "a hand in armour, fessways, Proper, holding a cross crosslet fitchée". It would appear that some Scottish clans used it in their blasons.

Many of the sporrans I saw online appeared to be much larger than what I have. It made me wonder if mine was a smaller replica of what was worn or if it truly was the real deal.

fosgate3 · Feb 22, 2018

Well, after a bit of research, it seems that I keep coming up with clan MacDonald. It would seem that the armored hand holding the cross is part of their blason, with a motto also added like what is seen here:

https://d31gkufimd6fqp.cloudfront.n.../11/05021338/Donald-angled-e1450372589531.jpg

So until I get information stating otherwise, I am going to go with that. Thanks everyone for helping!

GKL · Feb 23, 2018

fosgate3 said:
Well, after a bit of research, it seems that I keep coming up with clan MacDonald. It would seem that the armored hand holding the cross is part of their blason, with a motto also added like what is seen here:

https://d31gkufimd6fqp.cloudfront.n.../11/05021338/Donald-angled-e1450372589531.jpg

So until I get information stating otherwise, I am going to go with that. Thanks everyone for helping!

Good research ! :thumbsup:

What have we here?

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