Fur coat, unlabelled - looking for help identifying fur type

[sarahjsimpkin]

I bought a beautiful, soft, vintage fur coat today at a second hand store and I was hoping some kind soul might be able to offer some advice as to the likely type of fur it's made from. I am mainly wondering if I can clean it somehow or deodorise it, as it smells like the second hand store!

It has (I think) been relined, as there is no label or identifying mark anywhere that I can find.
The fur seems to be pieced in rectangular cuts, and has a soft grey underfur with a short brown and black guardhair/tip. The texture reminds me of a lucky rabbit foot I was given as a kid, very silky and soft. It's pretty lightweight, too. The only fastenings are two simple hook and eye closures at the front, and the sleeves are wide and baggy. Pictures are attached.

Does anyone have any ideas what fur this might be?

Thanks in advance,
Sarah

 

[Zorica Zrnic]

It is Coney I think (rabbit). Unfortiuntaley furs can only be cleaned by specialist fur cleaners and it is likely more expensive than you paid for the coat.
An old fashioned way was to put talcum powder in furs leave them an hour then beat out but not sure if that is a good idea was just what some used to do. Like a dry shampoo if you like. Never wash fur, and never dry in direct heat. When you get furs that are all cracked pelts this is because someone had dried near heat.

 

[Vinclothes]

I have had success in greatly diminishing odor in furs by hanging them outside in a covered area for a long time. For weeks up to a month. I am lucky to have a large porch protected both from the sun and wind. Good luck.
Marian

 

[sarahjsimpkin]

Thanks Zorica and Marian - much appreciated!

 

[furwise]

Hi Sarah,

It's very pretty and it's a nice style too. It is sheared rabbit fur and those beautiful sleeves are dolman style.

Furs don't always have labels. Based on the way the lining is sewn in and the detail I can tell the lining is original.

It dates to the 80s and it is similar to some of the rabbit foot keychains from that time period.

Airing out is a great option. Another great option is ground coffee because it absorbs moisture. Hang your jacket in a breathable fabric garment bag, place an open (but not spilling out) coffee bag in the bottom, and leave the garment bag closed for 72 hours.

 

[sarahjsimpkin]

Caryn, you're a wealth of information - thank you!