These cantles were the top part of sporrans worn by officers and men of the Cameron Highlanders. The coloured copies made by Percy Sumner in the early 20th century come from tailor’s instruction books. Sumner has dated the top illustration as 1849 to 1881, but a painting by M A Hayes of 1847 clearly shows this pattern of cantle worn by an officer. Since the green-backed cantle in the other Sumner illustration lasted until 1846 it is safe to assume that it was replaced by this all gilt pattern. The shape and basic decoration with three battle honours was retained until the end of full dress in the 20th century. The cut-off date of 1881 was when the regiment officially lost the number 79 and came to be known as The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. After 1881 the central number was replaced by an oval with the regimental title and the badge conferred on the regiment of a crowned thistle, in silver. The illustration shows a King’s crown which dates the cantle as post 1902, but Queen Victoria’s crown topped the thistle from 1881 to 1902.
The middle cantle is of black leather with the regimental badge of St Andrew and the cross within a wreath of thistles in white metal. This was worn by the rank and file from 1846 onwards.
