How can I tell what kind of fur from which a coat is made?

Question

Still cleaning out mom's house. I found a fur coat way back in the downstairs closet. It's short, black, sleek and very soft fur. It's an older style coat, maybe from the 1940's or 50's. I'm no expert on furs. Any ideas how I can find out?

Answer 1

You'd probably have to take it to a knowledgable taxidermist. They may know what it is, since they work with fur all day every day, they would know which kind is which.

Answer 2

Very tough question Deb. There are so many different fur bearing animals. Some like sable and marten are extremely expensive and many furs of lesser values are dyed and trimmed to appear to look like these more expensive furs. If I were to see the fur, examine the texture of the hairs then maybe I could give you a close guess. Your best bet to get an answer is to take the coat to a REPUTABLE furrier and ask them. They'll be able to tell. It may be something as common as rabbit or muskrat, but if not you may have a coat of some considerable value. It's worth the trouble to find out and also learn the proper way to store it to preserve it. Here's hoping that your coat is worth $12,000!

Answer 3

Probably mink is a safe bet.

You could take it to a good old fashioned tailors store or a theatrical clothing store.

Did you want to wear it?

*** When you say 'Only stupid people wear fur'? Do you mean every single person on the planet that wears fur is stupid? or just people who wear it for glamour? Only I'm guessing you haven't spent your life living in snow and ice so it might be a slightly wild accusation, I guess in those conditions only stupid people DON'T wear fur.

I don't wear fur, can't bear the thought of it, should be on the animal but I do wear leather so I'm not sure I have a right to be prissy about it.

Answer 4

fur is bad.....only stupid people wear fur...


so don't bother....

Answer 5

fur is murder. whatever.