Is this leopard fur?
- Thread starter Alohachick
- Start date
Alohachick
Registered Guest
Thank you so much. I thought the fur looked too sleek and shiny.
Hi there, It is dyed pony skin hair and based on what's shown I'd date it to the late 60s early 70s. Pony skin is usually not really pony but rather, calf or cow which is termed pony. It is a flat laying fur that is similar in density and is sometimes dyed.
One way to tell that is dyed is by the even solid circular shapes and spots within that look very similar in pattern.
Both leopards and jaguars have rosettes which are unevenly shaped broken lines or dots that create lines that have been said to look like roses.
Jaguars have uneven spotting within the rosettes. Leopards do not.
Here's a photo from the met museum that shows a genuine jaguar fur coat. If you click on the image it will take you to the met museum's site. If you look back at yours in comparison you may be able to see the difference and how yours was created to look like jaguar but really is not.
One way to tell that is dyed is by the even solid circular shapes and spots within that look very similar in pattern.
Both leopards and jaguars have rosettes which are unevenly shaped broken lines or dots that create lines that have been said to look like roses.
Jaguars have uneven spotting within the rosettes. Leopards do not.
Here's a photo from the met museum that shows a genuine jaguar fur coat. If you click on the image it will take you to the met museum's site. If you look back at yours in comparison you may be able to see the difference and how yours was created to look like jaguar but really is not.
Alohachick
Registered Guest
Oh, that is so lovely. Yes, I can truly see the huge difference.
Thank you for such a detailed explanation.
All the best
Thank you for such a detailed explanation.
All the best
patterns on this fur coat is too much aligned so I guess this isn't any original leopard print, but can be a faux fox fur or a fuax leopard print coat,
you'll understand what I am trying to convey here.
but anyways a great coat
Edited to remove outside link which is reserved for VFG trade members only. You may post screenshots if you would like to share an example.
you'll understand what I am trying to convey here.
but anyways a great coat
Edited to remove outside link which is reserved for VFG trade members only. You may post screenshots if you would like to share an example.
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Alohachick
Registered Guest
Yes, it is pretty.
Thank you for your input!
Thank you for your input!
Just chiming back in here to offer a little more information that may help you understand how I am able to ascertain that it is genuine from the photos. 
The thickness of pony skin, (really calfskin or cow), is greater than that of fabric. It’s not as pliable or flexible as fabric, and over time the skin ages and the pliability lessens, which is why you see curve in areas as it’s hanging like within the sleeves. You can also feel the difference in pliability too.
You can’t always tell the difference visually or by the pliability and in those cases you can always do a burn test. If real hair/fur smells like hair and burns fast. If faux it melts and smells like plastic.
If it will assure you more you can snip a little hair/fur from an inconspicuous area and do a burn test. You really don’t need to though.
Sometimes fur jackets and coats have open French hems that allow you to see the skin side between the lining and the back. More-so coats than jackets and other types of furs.
There are other identifiers too. If you need more assurance and/or information we’re happy to assist.
The thickness of pony skin, (really calfskin or cow), is greater than that of fabric. It’s not as pliable or flexible as fabric, and over time the skin ages and the pliability lessens, which is why you see curve in areas as it’s hanging like within the sleeves. You can also feel the difference in pliability too.
You can’t always tell the difference visually or by the pliability and in those cases you can always do a burn test. If real hair/fur smells like hair and burns fast. If faux it melts and smells like plastic.
If it will assure you more you can snip a little hair/fur from an inconspicuous area and do a burn test. You really don’t need to though.
Sometimes fur jackets and coats have open French hems that allow you to see the skin side between the lining and the back. More-so coats than jackets and other types of furs.
There are other identifiers too. If you need more assurance and/or information we’re happy to assist.
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Ranch Queen Vintage
Administrator
Caryn, How I wish you would write a book! I learn something new about fur with each of your posts. Your knowledge is invaluable!Just chiming back in here to offer a little more information that may help you understand how I am able to ascertain that it is genuine from the photos.
The thickness of pony skin, (really calfskin or cow), is greater than that of fabric. It’s not as pliable or flexible as fabric, and over time the skin ages and the pliability lessens, which is why you see curve in areas as it’s hanging like within the sleeves. You can also feel the difference in pliability too.
You can’t always tell the difference visually or by the pliability and in those cases you can always do a burn test. If real hair/fur smells like hair and burns fast. If faux it melts and smells like plastic.
If it will assure you more you can snip a little hair/fur from an inconspicuous area and do a burn test. You really don’t need to though.
Sometimes fur jackets and coats have open French hems that allow you to see the skin side between the lining and the back. More-so coats than jackets and other types of furs.
There are other identifiers too. If you need more assurance and/or information we’re happy to assist.
Thank you Marsha
I bet you could write a great book yourself. I do not have any plans to write a book, ever, however, with the amount of words I use, it is sort of like a book almost every time I post. 
Alohachick
Registered Guest
Marsha is right, goodness! Thank you so much, Caryn for sharing your knowledge.
I just want to add in that, in the presence of the coat, you can clutch a little bit of the material in your fingers, and if it’s pliable enough so that you can sort of manipulate It, you can often feel the weave of the backing through the fur. This indicates faux fur even if you can’t see the backing or do a burn test, like if you’re shopping. A real pelt will be stiffer and you might be able to feel the nubs of seams in a pieced fur, but not a weave-like texture.
Alohachick
Registered Guest
Thank you. Very true on thr burn test!