Help identifying the fur and date of collar? And tips?

[ErikawithaK]

I would greatly appreciate any help identifying the fur of this collar. Also, less important, but help on dating? From my research, I am guessing fox or raccoon but am very new to dating furs and can't say for sure. Additional details, it does shed quite a bit. Is there anyway to stop this? Is there a way to brush fur to clean it?

 

[furwise]

Hello, Pretty collar. Your guess on one of the fur types was correct. It is raccoon fur. From the lining and oxidation of the lining I can tell that it dates to the 40s.
The fur shedding is a result of being improperly stored and cared for. Sadly there is no way to reverse this condition. You can shake it out and shedding may be less prominent as some of the fur may have already shed, has been collecting there unattached over time, and is just coming out with handling.
Cleaning at this time would be difficult too with the shedding. You can mist with water and gently wipe what you can out with a soft washcloth but additional fur may come out and you have to be careful not to get the skin wet underneath the fur.

 

[ErikawithaK]

Thank you, Caryn! I really appreciate the confirmation of my thoughts. I do think I'll try just shaking it out well and see how that goes. I pulled this collar out of the bins at a Goodwill Outlet so I have no idea how it was stored or cared for and was basically saving it from the end of the line.

Can you recommend a good resource for the best way to store/care for fur? I don't ever wear it myself and don't particularly seek it out to sell but occasionally do wind up with some.

 

[furwise]

You are most welcome.

I have a fur care page on my site you can refer to and we are always happy to help here as well;
http://furwise.com/fur-care-tips/