About Sturgeon Leatherworks and our Jacobite Sporrans

Sturgeon Leatherworks was born three years ago out of a simple problem. I needed an authentic Jacobite sporran for reenactment, and couldn’t find one that truly that met the mark. So I set out to make one myself.

What started as a personal challenge quickly became a deep passion. Through years of self taught leatherworking and in depth historical research, I developed a love for sporrans, history, and highland dress.

My mission is to create historically accurate reproductions of 18th century sporrans. Not just for reenactors, but for everyday kilt wearers, explorers, and those who appreciate historical craftsmanship.

Each sporran is crafted from premium bark-tanned deerskin, carefully hand-dyed and aged using a natural blend of walnut hull dye and conditioning oils. The result is a rich, durable leather that resists the elements and develops character with time.

A man dressed as a Scottish Highlander, wearing a tartan kilt, plaid jacket, and bonnet, holding a sword and shield outdoors with a mountain and forest background.

About Our Leather

Every sporran is crafted from the same premium bark tanned deerskin, ensuring consistent quality across my entire range. The hides come from Red Deer which are expertly tanned in Italy using traditional tanning methods that produce a leather of exceptional character.

This is, in my opinion, the finest bark tanned deerskin available on the market today. It combines strength and resilience with softness and flexibility. This makes it a pleasure to handle and wear. Unlike many modern leathers, it continues to improve with age, developing a rich patina that reflects years of use and adds to its unique character.

The natural durability of this leather gives my sporrans an exceptionally long life, allowing them to be used and enjoyed. Each hide also displays subtle variations in grain and texture, making every sporran unique while maintaining the same high standard of quality.

I currently offer this leather in five colors, shown in the swatch examples below.

1- Staghide (Tan)

2- Oak (Antique Brown)

3- Walnut (Brown)

4- Peat (Dark Brown)

5- Black (Raven)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Whether you're a reenactor, an avid festival-goer, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, our sporrans are crafted with you in mind. Designed to be as functional as they are timeless, each sporran serves as both a practical accessory and a nod to history. It's not just a pouch, it’s a faithful companion for your journeys ahead.

  • At Sturgeon Leatherworks, every sporran we create is rooted in history. Most of our designs are either inspired by historical styles or meticulously crafted replicas of surviving 18th century originals. We do offer more ‘modern’ style sporrans, but they still retain historical influence.

    Whether you choose a historically inspired piece or a direct replica, each sporran is handcrafted using the highest quality materials available, including premium bark tanned deerskin and strong linen thread. Every detail, from the stitching to the finish, reflects our commitment to quality.

    No matter which style you choose, you can expect the same standard of excellence, care, and durability in every piece we make.

  • Short answer... wear it however you like! Historically, sporrans were worn front and center on a narrow belt, much like modern highland wear. However, ours are designed for versatility. they can be comfortably shifted to the side and fit belts up to 2.5" wide through the loop.

  • All of our sporrans are crafted from bark tanned deerskin, the closest we can get to the leather used in historical originals. This traditional tanning method produces a durable, rugged, yet supple material that will develop a rich patina with age, enduring a lifetime of wear.

  • Our custom commissions are always open, and we’d be honored to bring your idea to life. Whether it’s inspired by a historical artifact, a personal design, or something entirely from your imagination, we can build a sporran that’s uniquely yours.

    Each custom piece is handcrafted using the same premium, bark tanned leather featured in our traditional line.

    Once you place your order, you’ll receive a detailed sketch of your sporran design. You’ll have full creative input throughout the process. From layout to stitching style, tassel placement, and decorative details. We’ll work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the final piece reflects your vision and our commitment to quality.

    Ready to begin? Send us a message through our website or reach out on Facebook, and let’s start building your custom sporran.

  • You can reach us anytime via the contact form on our homepage, email, or through our Facebook page.

  • We currently offer shipping within the continental United States through our website. If you're located outside the U.S. and are interested in ordering a sporran, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re happy to work with you to arrange international shipping.

  • For non-custom sporrans, your order will ship within 2 weeks. Our current lead time for custom sporrans is approx. 3 weeks. In most cases, your order will be completed and ready to ship even sooner.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.