Prince Henry of Battenberg Victorian Style Sporran Project

Prince Henry of Battenberg Victorian Style Sporran Project

Prince Henry of Battenberg became well-known for his distinctive choice of attire, particularly showcased by his leopard skin sporran captured in photographs during his time at Balmoral in the 1880s. This iconic image sparked a creative idea within one of our loyal clients based in the US. They endeavored to recreate the pattern displayed in the photograph, opting for an ethically sourced modern rabbit fur as a compassionate alternative to the protected leopard fur, staying true to the essence of highland dress traditions.

The hand crafted solid brass cantle was one we had developed, suited the look of the sporran rather well. So the issue became what to do in place of the leopard skin pouch. We discussed the look and came up with an interesting option of using a printed leopard spot pattern on a rabbit fur base. This gave us the option of using an ethical fur that we could also export to the US.

The original Victorian sporran had a brass studded edge to the tan leather slip under the pierced brass cantle. The three long braided tan leather tassels complete the design. Our modern version had a full opening suede lined back pouch to give our client plenty of space in his sporran.

Inspired by a classic Victorian sporran, but a bespoke sporran for the modern world. It is now off to a new life over the pond in the United States of America.

Prince Henry of Battenberg KG PC (Henry Maurice; 5 October 1858 – 20 January 1896) was a morganatic descendant of the Grand Ducal House of Hesse. He became a member of the British Royal Family by marriage to Queen Victoria's youngest child, Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom. Through his daughter, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, who became the Queen of Spain by marriage, Henry is a direct ancestor of current members of the Spanish royal family.