Sealskin Tobacco Pouches

[crashthegrey]

I know that sailors and others used sealskin for tobacco pouches. Has anyone ever seen a historical one in person, or one for sale?

 

[fnord]

Great question, Crash, and I'm surprised nobody has ponied up.
I'd have thought seal or shark skin pouches might've brought out several comments.
Fnord

 

[akfilm]

I've seen pouches in some collections here, but the majority I think they are made with walrus and seal intestine and/or stomach. It's incredibly water proof and lightweight. Could call the museums here to check. Where I live it would be easy enough to commission one.

 

[didimauw]

Is that legal?

 

[foolwiththefez]

I've not seen seal, but I'v been tempted by ones made from kangaroo:
http://www.australiagift.com/scrotum_shop/scrotum.htm

 

[akfilm]

Is that legal?
As long as it's crafted by a native artist, yes.

 

[jefff]

Only if you club the seal yourself.

 

[akfilm]

Deal. Slown roasted seal ribs over a beach fire are the greatest food known to man I think.

 

[fnord]

AKFilm:
I'm really intrigued by a sealskin pouch.
PM sent.
Fnord

 

[crashthegrey]

Thanks for the responses. I've seen them referenced in literature repeatedly, Doyle in Sherlock Holmes the most recent in my last reread. I'm definitely curious about the possibility of a commission.

 

[huntertrw]

A quick Internet search found the following listing (Sealskin Pouch) for a "Vintage Raw String Sealskin Pouch Bag" offered for sale.
Note the Description which states, in part, "Sealing is a tried and true Canadian Heritage for which thousands of Inuit People of Canada depend on the sale of seal skins for their livelihood and continued cultural stability. Canadian Seals are not an endangered species but nonetheless, seal skin products cannot be exported to the USA, European Union, Mexico, or Taiwan."
I hope that this information is helpful.

 

[crashthegrey]

Thank you, Hunter. I appreciate the information and the search.

 

[mawnansmiff]

In Australia one can purchase a tobacco pouch made from the scrotal sac of a kangaroo!
Just thought I'd mention it ::
Regards,
Jay.

 

[crashthegrey]

@mawnansmiff, that's an amazing point that should always be mentioned when even slightly relevant. In this case, it is very relevant. Thanks!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Well put, crash!

 

[crashthegrey]

Thank you.