Cantles formed the top part of sporrans worn by kilted Highland regiments.The top illustration is a cantle worn by officers of the 79th Cameron Highlanders in review order. It can be seen in the Spooner print of 1836. The shield in the centre has LXXIX, below which is OR within a circle, an unusual emphasis on a grammatical conjunction in the title which, at the time, was The 79th Regiment of Foot or Cameron Highlanders. The gilt crescent is backed with red leather which forms a scalloped edge showing on the lower rim of the cantle. The caption underneath explains that this sketch, by Percy Sumner, is from the original, which probably refers to tailor’s instructions, and was worn on the sporrans of officers from 1807 to 1840.
The middle cantle is larger and backed with green leather to match the regimental facings of the 79th. The backing extends further below the cantle. This pattern made a very brief appearance, from 1840 to 1846, being replaced by the all gilt pattern that was established, apart from a small alteration, until the abolition of full dress.
The brass cantle below this was worn on the sporrans of sergeants from 1840 to 1856. The silver fittings of the Sphinx, LXXIX and thistle wreath were the only decorations.
