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Bumpkin Bears Aug 22, 2006

Hi all,

I have been having to clear out my family house back in England because my Dad is selling it due to getting re-married since my Mum passed away.  It's all very difficult for me to get my head around, but that's another story..  In clearing things out I came across my Granny's old fur hat and stole.  I immediately thought of you bear makers that recycle vintage furs and make lovely fluffy bears.  I was wondering if anyone could take a look at these photos and see if you may know what type of furs they are?  Do you think any bear makers would be interested in these?  They'd be good for small bears and they are beautifully soft and silky, but I prefer mohair for my bears.  If anyone is intersted in these you could send me a message.

Thanks for any help,
Hugs
Catherine
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kassiebears Aug 22, 2006

Hi Catherine,

I don't know if you got any pm on this, but. They look like mink to me.
I would think that bear makers would be interested.
I use recycle vintage furs on some of my bears. The only thing is you have to be careful the hide is not rotten and brittle.

I hope you find someone who can use this.

hugs kassie

kassiebears Aug 22, 2006

oh I forgot - they use to use beaver as well for ladies hat and stole at that time too. It is hard to say for sure without touching it.

hugs kassie

Judi Aug 22, 2006

Catherine , My guess would be China Mink...which is actually muskrat which is dyed to look like mink.

HHHHMMM....anyone else?

Acipenser Aug 22, 2006

I would bet on muskrat too. Looks a little too long and thick for mink to me.

DebbieD Aug 22, 2006

Definitely muskrat for the hat...I can see the grey undercoat....and I should think like Judi, 'china mink' or muskrat also for the stole.  Depending upon the condition, they could be worked into a tiny bear, possibly even a 'panda' of sorts if needed...again depending on the condition of the hides.

bearlyart Aug 22, 2006

I agree with the others' votes on muskrat.

Learn something every day... I didn't know "china mink" meant muskrat-dyed-as-mink!  LOL!  I figured that "china mink" was one of those fancy ways of saying "this is not actually mink", looks like I was correct on that one.

Cheers,
Kelly

chris009av Aug 23, 2006

I also agree that it looks like Maskrat. 

Bumpkin Bears Aug 23, 2006

Thanks for your help everyone   I would not have had a clue what they were!  they are in good condition, have just been stored carefully so no damage.  The cat oops I mean HAT!! is made from two pieces I think with a loose silk lining that would easily be removed.  The stole has the same loose silk lining and has a special slit on one side to feed the other end of the stole through so it holds nicely around the neck.   

I'll try them on Ebay if no one here is interested (like to give my buddies here first look), not sure which section on ebay to put them in really or of their price .. any ideas?

THANKS
Big Hugs
Catherine
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