Is there a way to tell exactly what kind of fur a coat is?

[birdcagevintage]

I just picked up a gorgeous fur coat at a yard sale from the original owner who purchased it in the early to mid 70s. I immediately thought it to be mink. I have had a couple in my Etsy shop, and it looks and feels like mink; long guard hairs, short even plush hair underneath. It's a mid-brown, almost a chestnut color. However, someone at the sale piped up and corrected me saying it is raccoon. I really don't think it is. For one the fur is too short, and the color is just wrong. I am hoping a trusted source out there could tell me one way or the other.

I have attached a couple of photos, one close up. Help!

Would it also make much of a difference in pricing if it is one or the other?

Thanks!

 

[Coutureallure]

The VFG has a Fur Resource which has a wealth of information. It's hard to tell from your photos, but I suspect this is muskrat, which was very popular in the 1970s.

 

[furwise]

From the photos provided it does look like it might be Muskrat but as Jody said it's hard to tell from those photos. Can you please provide photos of the front and back of the full coat?

 

[birdcagevintage]

Here's a properly done photo of front and back/side. It looks so similar to the mink I have, except that the pelts seem to be smaller. Does that make a difference? How would you price it (on Etsy)? It's in great condition with only a little flattening under the arms at the elbows.

 

[furwise]

Thank you for the new collage photo. Jody's suspicion was correct. It's Muskrat. The size and shape of the pelts do make a difference. Due to their difference in size and shape the construction appears different when crafted together.
As far as pricing, we at VFG are unable to suggest any amount you should price your item for. You can have it appraised locally and you can also search closed auction results on ebay for similar items that have sold.