Comments on: Buying Vintage Furs: A Guideline on How Not to Get Skinned http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:19:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Shylah http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-181901 Shylah Wed, 22 May 2013 03:31:37 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-181901 Hi Sharon, I'm wondering if you could point me in the right direction to learn a bit about a fur company that I have a stole (shawl) passed onto me from. The fur is from Totem House Furs, Anchorage Alaska. Bought for my grandmother in 1944, with the original $475 price tag intact. It's never been worn. I read your article and cringed as I read furs shouldn't be stored in a cedar chest... Gasp, the very place I had put this to keep it safe (we move a lot). It has a silk or satin liner, appears and I recall being told it was mink its in perfect condition (other than the cedar smell) it's only been in there a few years. I had planned on selling it to the Biltmore House in NC for the Santa beards they build to decorate the house, but have no idea where to find the value as I can't find any information on the company other than the son of the founders obituary. Any suggestions? Thanks, Shylah Hi Sharon,
I’m wondering if you could point me in the right direction to learn a bit about a fur company that I have a stole (shawl) passed onto me from.
The fur is from Totem House Furs, Anchorage Alaska. Bought for my grandmother in 1944, with the original $475 price tag intact. It’s never been worn. I read your article and cringed as I read furs shouldn’t be stored in a cedar chest… Gasp, the very place I had put this to keep it safe (we move a lot). It has a silk or satin liner, appears and I recall being told it was mink its in perfect condition (other than the cedar smell) it’s only been in there a few years.
I had planned on selling it to the Biltmore House in NC for the Santa beards they build to decorate the house, but have no idea where to find the value as I can’t find any information on the company other than the son of the founders obituary.
Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Shylah

]]> By: Brian http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-163526 Brian Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:52:24 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-163526 Hey Love the article, I just got a fox pelt scarf that is silked lined - it is in very good condition I paid 75.00 I do wear it - the fur is soft and has a shine to it, 98% of the pelt is also very soft, the only damage is two small dry spots by the back legs and one on neck might be small tear in skin, but the fur is so thick i cant find a hole. but it dates from about 1920 any tips on care - I have it lined with tissue paper in a box Hey Love the article,

I just got a fox pelt scarf that is silked lined – it is in very good condition I paid 75.00
I do wear it – the fur is soft and has a shine to it, 98% of the pelt is also very soft, the only damage is two small dry spots by the back legs and one on neck might be small tear in skin, but the fur is so thick i cant find a hole.
but it dates from about 1920
any tips on care – I have it lined with tissue paper in a box

]]> By: Lisalee http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-162496 Lisalee Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:44:05 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-162496 It is very useful article for buying vintage fur. I just got a vintage saga silver fox coat. It's in great condition. Only one thing I am concerned is about its color. The whole coat looks tend to more brown and has light yellow tips. The most dark part of the fur( probably the upper back line) is in chesnut color. I check silver fox picture in saga website: there is no similar color. I wander if silver fox color changes its color when the time passes. It is very useful article for buying vintage fur. I just got a vintage saga silver fox coat. It’s in great condition. Only one thing I am concerned is about its color. The whole coat looks tend to more brown and has light yellow tips. The most dark part of the fur( probably the upper back line) is in chesnut color. I check silver fox picture in saga website: there is no similar color. I wander if silver fox color changes its color when the time passes.

]]> By: C M http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-162214 C M Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:32:40 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-162214 I too want to thank you for the wonderful blog. I began purchasing vintage furs about two years ago. The first was a vintage mink (beige) swing jacket in amazing condition. From there I have purchased several items. Some simply for the purpose of repurposing. I have made scarfs, ear muffs, purses and two luxurious mink throws. All items are mostly mink, but I am always looking for other furs as well. That aren't dried out. Every time someone sees what I have made they tell me I should be selling these things. But frankly, I just love wearing them. Maybe next time. I too want to thank you for the wonderful blog. I began purchasing vintage furs about two years ago. The first was a vintage mink (beige) swing jacket in amazing condition. From there I have purchased several items. Some simply for the purpose of repurposing. I have made scarfs, ear muffs, purses and two luxurious mink throws. All items are mostly mink, but I am always looking for other furs as well. That aren’t dried out. Every time someone sees what I have made they tell me I should be selling these things. But frankly, I just love wearing them. Maybe next time.

]]> By: Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-155707 Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto Sat, 05 Jan 2013 21:13:05 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-155707 Hi Yvette, So glad I could help you feel more confident about buying and wearing fur. We're having a real cold snap right now, so I'm about to start wearing some of mine on a daily basis! I think the duvet cover is a perfect idea to cover your fur coat. Wear it in good health! Thanks for taking the time to write. Take care, Sharon Hi Yvette,
So glad I could help you feel more confident about buying and wearing fur. We’re having a real cold snap right now, so I’m about to start wearing some of mine on a daily basis!

I think the duvet cover is a perfect idea to cover your fur coat. Wear it in good health! Thanks for taking the time to write.

Take care,
Sharon

]]> By: Yvette http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-155660 Yvette Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:39:19 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-155660 Thank you Sharon for writing this very helpful, I learnt more from your blog than trawelling through the internet for an hour. I have just brought on ebay what I think is a 1950's squirrel (its a beautiful soft deep mahogany colour, squirrel origin unknown) swing coat in very good condition. I love it! Just a bit worried about where to wear it, but your site has put me at rest. I have come to the conclusion that it would be far worse to bin/destroy animal fur than to wear it,enjoy it and keep warm in it so the animal didnt die in vain. So do you think that a single duvet cover buttoned to the neck on the hanger would make a good storage cover? Thanks again. Thank you Sharon for writing this very helpful, I learnt more from your blog than trawelling through the internet for an hour. I have just brought on ebay what I think is a 1950′s squirrel (its a beautiful soft deep mahogany colour, squirrel origin unknown) swing coat in very good condition. I love it! Just a bit worried about where to wear it, but your site has put me at rest. I have come to the conclusion that it would be far worse to bin/destroy animal fur than to wear it,enjoy it and keep warm in it so the animal didnt die in vain. So do you think that a single duvet cover buttoned to the neck on the hanger would make a good storage cover?
Thanks again.

]]> By: Linda J http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-109641 Linda J Tue, 05 Jun 2012 01:24:14 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-109641 Thanks for the wonderful info. I bought a vintage mink from the thrift store. I noted tears on one shoulder and post collar areas. It looks fixable but with a challenge. Your information has encouraged me to challenge the task of repairing it myself. I do have some in sewing knowledge.. Once I get into the lining and sew the torn areas back together , I will attempt to reinforce the weakened areas by sewing a leather patch over the area for reinforcement since glue is a no no. Thanks again Thanks for the wonderful info. I bought a vintage mink from the thrift store. I noted tears on one shoulder and post collar areas. It looks fixable but with a challenge. Your information has encouraged me to challenge the task of repairing it myself. I do have some in sewing knowledge.. Once I get into the lining and sew the torn areas back together , I will attempt to reinforce the weakened areas by sewing a leather patch over the area for reinforcement since glue is a no no. Thanks again

]]> By: Cheryl Sargent http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-104168 Cheryl Sargent Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:55:17 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-104168 I have a full length fur coat that was made in the 40's.It was my great Auntie's and she had it custom made for her. The Label say American Dress and Furs Brampton Ontario. It has her initials embroidered inside the lining. It has some flat spots on the elbows and the center of the back. Some breakage in those spots. This is a large womans coat maybe a 14. Any idea of value? I have a full length fur coat that was made in the 40′s.It was my great Auntie’s and she had it custom made for her. The Label say American Dress and Furs Brampton Ontario. It has her initials embroidered inside the lining. It has some flat spots on the elbows and the center of the back. Some breakage in those spots. This is a large womans coat maybe a 14. Any idea of value?

]]> By: Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-60743 Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:35:05 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-60743 Hi Rebecca, If you go to the Ask a Worthologist section, you can submit photos and find out what it is for sure. But I am thinking, without seeing it, that your friend may be correct. Take care, Sharon Hi Rebecca,
If you go to the Ask a Worthologist section, you can submit photos and find out what it is for sure. But I am thinking, without seeing it, that your friend may be correct.

Take care,
Sharon

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-60604 Rebecca Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:26:10 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-60604 Just bought a gorgeous full length vintage coat and have looked at many websites trying to figure out what kinds of fur it is--do you have recommendations on how to figure it out? The tag says T.A. Chapman Co, Milwaukee, which opened in 1870. I would say the coat is from the 1930s or before, very short black hair that is incredibly soft in either direction, trimmed in longer reddish brown hair around neck, sleeves, & hem. The buttons are made of the same black fur. The brown fur I might guess is fox? Someone said they thought the black was beaver, but is beaver fur that soft? Thanks! Just bought a gorgeous full length vintage coat and have looked at many websites trying to figure out what kinds of fur it is–do you have recommendations on how to figure it out? The tag says T.A. Chapman Co, Milwaukee, which opened in 1870. I would say the coat is from the 1930s or before, very short black hair that is incredibly soft in either direction, trimmed in longer reddish brown hair around neck, sleeves, & hem. The buttons are made of the same black fur. The brown fur I might guess is fox? Someone said they thought the black was beaver, but is beaver fur that soft? Thanks!

]]> By: Linda Jones http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-59560 Linda Jones Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:30:46 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-59560 I have a black fox muff from the early 1960's in it's original Bamburgers box. Any idea how much it is worth? Thanks I have a black fox muff from the early 1960′s in it’s original Bamburgers box. Any idea how much it is worth?
Thanks

]]> By: Sarah http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-36371 Sarah Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:21:11 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-36371 Thank you so much! I found you while trying to figure out how to repair a stole for a play,(which was super helpful!) then got caught up in other articles. I own several vintage furs myself and 100% support that there is always a good time to wear it! I may have been caught going to the grocery store with sweatpants a waistlength mink and my makeup from earlier. Keep up the good fur work! Thank you so much! I found you while trying to figure out how to repair a stole for a play,(which was super helpful!) then got caught up in other articles. I own several vintage furs myself and 100% support that there is always a good time to wear it! I may have been caught going to the grocery store with sweatpants a waistlength mink and my makeup from earlier. Keep up the good fur work!

]]> By: DivaSharon http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-30415 DivaSharon Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:14:19 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-30415 Hello there! Yes, indeed, that yellow coat is the one and only, and I do mean only! The designer (Jerry Sorbara) told me he only made one and was so happy to see that I owned it now. He personally helped me choose the new lining...the original was just plain black and I thought the fur was worth a special lining. Isn't it pretty? It's a crazy coat, not much chance to wear it, but just to have it is enough for me! I went back to Neiman's because I wanted the original designer to be the only one to handle it. Thanks for reading my article! Hello there! Yes, indeed, that yellow coat is the one and only, and I do mean only! The designer (Jerry Sorbara) told me he only made one and was so happy to see that I owned it now. He personally helped me choose the new lining…the original was just plain black and I thought the fur was worth a special lining. Isn’t it pretty? It’s a crazy coat, not much chance to wear it, but just to have it is enough for me! I went back to Neiman’s because I wanted the original designer to be the only one to handle it.
Thanks for reading my article!

]]> By: macalyne http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-30396 macalyne Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:29:10 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-30396 Is the picture of the yellow coat at the top your designer mink with the $600 neiman marcus lining? That coat is BEYOND amazing!!!!! Is the picture of the yellow coat at the top your designer mink with the $600 neiman marcus lining? That coat is BEYOND amazing!!!!!

]]> By: Judie http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-9506 Judie Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:50:10 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-9506 Loved reading about the furs and was never sure what to call them, but see you refer to what I have as a stole. I've have my mother's Stone Marten's for the past 30 years. Five of them all together. Two of them sewn together, bitting two more in rear and these two connected to one with the clip under the chin. I too have unclipped it and made it talk. According to my mom, she had bought these in Seattle back in the very late 30's or early 40's. I have only worn them a couple of times for fun and I can see they haven't been stored well although they look in great condition. They have always just been wrapped and in a small box. Thanks for the interesting site! Loved reading about the furs and was never sure what to call them, but see you refer to what I have as a stole. I’ve have my mother’s Stone Marten’s for the past 30 years. Five of them all together. Two of them sewn together, bitting two more in rear and these two connected to one with the clip under the chin. I too have unclipped it and made it talk. According to my mom, she had bought these in Seattle back in the very late 30′s or early 40′s. I have only worn them a couple of times for fun and I can see they haven’t been stored well although they look in great condition. They have always just been wrapped and in a small box.

Thanks for the interesting site!

]]> By: Jean http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-5293 Jean Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:18:39 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-5293 Your article has been amazingly helpful to me. I recently began shopping ebay for furs. I know this can be dangerous as most people don't know what they are selling, but I'm a researcher by nature (how I found your article.) I bought a squirrel/mink "bubble" coat for only $65.00. It is being cleaned and glazed now. The fur cleaner (Ram) thought it was Russian squirrel vs American as there is no gray coloring in it at all. Can you tell me if this is a way to identify Russian squirrel or if there are other ways. I know Russian squirrel is very expensive but I may have gotten lucky. The coat is very pretty and glamorous anyway. Feels great, very soft, and in great condition. Thanks in advance for you help in identifying the fur. Your article has been amazingly helpful to me. I recently began shopping ebay for furs. I know this can be dangerous as most people don’t know what they are selling, but I’m a researcher by nature (how I found your article.) I bought a squirrel/mink “bubble” coat for only $65.00. It is being cleaned and glazed now. The fur cleaner (Ram) thought it was Russian squirrel vs American as there is no gray coloring in it at all. Can you tell me if this is a way to identify Russian squirrel or if there are other ways. I know Russian squirrel is very expensive but I may have gotten lucky. The coat is very pretty and glamorous anyway. Feels great, very soft, and in great condition. Thanks in advance for you help in identifying the fur.

]]> By: DivaSharon(Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto) http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-4883 DivaSharon(Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto) Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:31:10 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-4883 HI! Please go to the "Ask a Worthologist" section of this website for valuation, identification and recommendations. Sharon HI!

Please go to the “Ask a Worthologist” section of this website for valuation, identification and recommendations.

Sharon

]]> By: Linda Kelly http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-4879 Linda Kelly Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:34:24 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-4879 Aloha, I have a real leopard muff. I bought in NYC in the mid 1960"s. It is frome the 40" r 50"s, I think. I have kept it in a fur storage for the last 40 yrs. I want to sell it. Where would be the best place to find out it's value and sellt. It is in perfect condition. Linda Kelly Aloha, I have a real leopard muff. I bought in NYC in the mid 1960″s. It is frome the 40″ r 50″s, I think. I have kept it in a fur storage for the last 40 yrs. I want to sell it. Where would be the best place to find out it’s value and sellt. It is in perfect condition. Linda Kelly

]]> By: Naomi http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-3848 Naomi Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:59:47 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-3848 Hi -- I'm going through the stuff from my in-laws' house and I found a couple of vintage fur pieces. Specifically, I found a stole (I think it's a stole -- it's a thing that drapes over someone's shoulders) and a matching muff with this nifty little built-in zippered purse. What I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to figure out is what kind of fur it is. It's blonde-ish gray, with some striping in it. The muff has a tail attached on a ribbon -- it's about 4-5 inches long. It's beautiful but the stole doesn't fit me at all; I have broad shoulders, and the woman who owned them was very petite. It fits my eight-year-old pretty well at the moment. I'm trying to decide whether to sell them or let my kids wear them. They were not properly stored (we found them in an attic) but they're in great shape -- supple and not brittle at all, the lining looks great, etc. Hi — I’m going through the stuff from my in-laws’ house and I found a couple of vintage fur pieces. Specifically, I found a stole (I think it’s a stole — it’s a thing that drapes over someone’s shoulders) and a matching muff with this nifty little built-in zippered purse. What I’m trying (unsuccessfully) to figure out is what kind of fur it is. It’s blonde-ish gray, with some striping in it. The muff has a tail attached on a ribbon — it’s about 4-5 inches long.

It’s beautiful but the stole doesn’t fit me at all; I have broad shoulders, and the woman who owned them was very petite. It fits my eight-year-old pretty well at the moment. I’m trying to decide whether to sell them or let my kids wear them.

They were not properly stored (we found them in an attic) but they’re in great shape — supple and not brittle at all, the lining looks great, etc.

]]> By: Mary Brenneman http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/vintage-furs-how-not-get-skinned/comment-page-1#comment-3318 Mary Brenneman Thu, 14 May 2009 18:38:47 +0000 http://blog.worthpoint.com/?p=2448761#comment-3318 Hello Rebecca, Try Ask a Worthologist. https://www.worthpoint.com/askWorthologist/index You can find Ask a Worthologist on the brown (wood grain) menu bar at the top of each page under Research Your Items. You'll need to take a few photos, make sure the photos show any wear and tear, write a detailed description and you should be able to get the information you need. The fee is $19.95. Hello Rebecca,
Try Ask a Worthologist. https://www.worthpoint.com/askWorthologist/index
You can find Ask a Worthologist on the brown (wood grain) menu bar at the top of each page under Research Your Items.
You’ll need to take a few photos, make sure the photos show any wear and tear, write a detailed description and you should be able to get the information you need. The fee is $19.95.

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