White Fox Posted April 17, 2009 Posted April 17, 2009 Another fur ID question for the Experts here. I thought it might be less confusing to keep the Fur ID questions here on separate threads. Back around 1950 to 1960 I remember of there being quite a few black sheared fur coats. They had a distinctive look to them, and as I recall then do not really look like anything that we have today. I am sure that these probably were relatively common back in the 40's as well. I seem to recall they were a bit like black sheared beaver would have looked, yet different. Now then, it's been a long time since I have seen one. One's memory fades after awhile when it comes to actual significant details like that. But, I am pretty sure that these furs were relatively common back then. The only colour I remember seeing them was jet black. They were much shorter hair than Mouton. I think they were less dense and maybe slightly shorter hair than sheared beaver. Longer hair than rabbit. I am just wondering if anyone here remembers these, and if so, if they might know what they were. If we saw them today I am sure we would recognize them immediately, and indeed, I am sure they would not look like anything that is common today. Anyone any ideas? W
Guest Posted April 19, 2009 Posted April 19, 2009 Probably Hudson seal, which is the trade name for sheared, dyed black muskrat fur. eBay has a few for sale on a regular basis. Tricia
White Fox Posted April 19, 2009 Author Posted April 19, 2009 No, mouton is longer, and not very dense. This was shorter and more dense. Also almost all old mouton coats were designed with huge cuffs. Never saw a cuff on these.
ReFur Posted May 31, 2009 Posted May 31, 2009 I agree, it was probably Hudson Seal. Mouton is from Sheep. This fur is sheared muskrat dyed black to mimic the seal furs which were so expensive and popular then. As very silky to the "hand" - I love them! The hide is much heavier then fox which allows them to oxidize more slowly than Fox.
White Fox Posted May 31, 2009 Author Posted May 31, 2009 If it was mouton the hairs were sheared to about 1/3 the normal length. Some time I will find a photo of one and be able to show it to you. Or may be able to get close enough to one to identify it. However, with time there aren't many left any more. W
ReFur Posted May 31, 2009 Posted May 31, 2009 Yes, you are right - not Mouton. It is muskrat that has been treated a special way, the way I remember, sheared short and dyed black. It was the poor man's seal. Very silky soft. I have got to get this kind of information for the sight. The process is called "Hudson Seal" as freemetoloverfur mentioned.
White Fox Posted May 31, 2009 Author Posted May 31, 2009 You know, I think you are onto it this time... I've seen sheared muskrat. Unbelievably soft. But never thought of it as black. Makes sense now! Think that is exactly what it is/was. There must have been very large numbers made over a long period of time. W
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now