Purse or sporran associated with Rob Roy MacGregor

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This deerskin purse or sporran dates from the 18th century and is said to have belonged to Rob Roy MacGregor.

The purse has a rectangular brass clasp engraved with a pattern of dots and circles.

MacGregor (1671-1734) was born in the Trossachs area, at the head of Loch Katrine. Outlawed in 1712 and unable to pursue his trade of a cattle dealer, he relied on cattle and sheep stealing. His imprisonments and subsequent escapes became legendary.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-456-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NE 37
• Date: 18th century
  
• Material: Deerskin with brass clasp
  Purse
  
• Dimensions: 95 mm L x 92 mm W
  
• What: Purse
  
• Subject: Sporrans and sporran-tops (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Rob Roy MacGregor (Possible owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Small purse of deerskin with a rectangular brass clasp incised with dot-and-circle ornament, said to have been owned by Rob Roy MacGregor, from Perthshire, 18th century
  
• References:
  • Keay, J. & J. (eds). Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland. London: HarperCollins, 1994, p 655. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: