Rizal fur

[Lidiya]

Hello! I need help identifying a vintage Rizal Lyon fur coat.
I found this fur coat in a second-hand shop and it looks very unique. The item has a few interesting details:
-A gold chain tag with the inscription Fourrure Rizal Lyon.
-A fabric tag with the old address: 9, Rue de Succursales, Saint-Etienne (France).
-The initials “NML” embroidered in gold thread on the lining.
-The lining is sewn very neatly, although the tags themselves are sewn by hand.
-I have noticed that Rizal fur coats sold on eBay or other platforms have completely different tags: no address, no gold embroidery and often with labels for size and composition of the product, which I do not have.
-It would be interesting to know more about the history of this fur coat:
-Could this be a rare or early version of the brand's products?
-Do such tags really indicate vintage?
-How can I confirm its authenticity and manufacturing period?

I would be grateful for any information or advice. Thank you for your help!

 

[furwise]

Hi there, Welcome to the Vintage Fashion Guild forums. Pretty coat. I have not researched to try to find out how long Rizal was making furs, however I can tell your coat dates to the earlier half of the 80s based on the collar, sleeves, shape of the body, lining, and the little gold metal tag with chain inside. The fur type looks like mink but it looks like it may have been color enhanced to show more contrast so I'd like to see that back to be certain.
The earliest I could find an ad for Rizal furs was in 2006 which I'll show for reference to the maker. Through my findings it appears that Rizal offered furs through stores that offered fur apparel and accessories.

 

[Lidiya]

Hi there, Welcome to the Vintage Fashion Guild forums. Pretty coat. I have not researched to try to find out how long Rizal was making furs, however I can tell your coat dates to the earlier half of the 80s based on the collar, sleeves, shape of the body, lining, and the little gold metal tag with chain inside. The fur type looks like mink but it looks like it may have been color enhanced to show more contrast so I'd like to see that back to be certain.
The earliest I could find an ad for Rizal furs was in 2006 which I'll show for reference to the maker. Through my findings it appears that Rizal offered furs through stores that offered fur apparel and accessories.
View attachment 196132

Thank you so much for your reply and the detailed information! I really appreciate your insights about the coat’s dating and style. It’s fascinating to learn that it likely dates back to the early 1980s.
Here is a photo of the back of the coat, as you requested. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether the fur has been color-enhanced or if there’s anything else unique about it.
I also noticed that the tags on the coat seem unusual compared to other Rizal items I’ve seen. The gold tag with a chain and the embroidered address tag are stitched by hand in thread matching the lining. There’s no size or material composition tag, which I thought was standard for many fur coats. Could this indicate something about its production or exclusivity?
Additionally, you mentioned that Rizal worked through stores offering fur apparel and accessories. Do you happen to know more about which stores they collaborated with in the 1980s, or if they had any specific reputation for their designs during that time?
I’m really excited to learn more about this coat and its history. Any further insights you could share would mean a lot!
Maybe you know the approximate price for such a fur coat?

Thank you again for your time and expertise.

 

[Lidiya]

Hi there, Welcome to the Vintage Fashion Guild forums. Pretty coat. I have not researched to try to find out how long Rizal was making furs, however I can tell your coat dates to the earlier half of the 80s based on the collar, sleeves, shape of the body, lining, and the little gold metal tag with chain inside. The fur type looks like mink but it looks like it may have been color enhanced to show more contrast so I'd like to see that back to be certain.
The earliest I could find an ad for Rizal furs was in 2006 which I'll show for reference to the maker. Through my findings it appears that Rizal offered furs through stores that offered fur apparel and accessories.
View attachment 196132

Thank you again for your detailed insights! Your expertise has been invaluable in learning more about my coat.
I understand that this forum is primarily for identification and discussion, but I was wondering if you might have any guidance on how to determine the approximate value of this coat. Do you have any advice on pricing for a piece like this, considering its history and condition?
If not, could you recommend any resources or platforms where I could get a professional appraisal?
Thank you so much for your time and help!

 

[furwise]

You are most welcome and thank you for the additional photos. That is indeed mink and from those photos it looks like it could be natural in color. If color enhanced, it would just have been done so to show the darker undertones in the center of the pelts.
Based on my findings it looks like Rizal furs were offered in women's apparel and accessory stores that offered a variety of items, including winter wear.
The gold tag and chain is pretty. I've seen it in fur garments designed by others too. The embroidered letters are a personalized monogram which was used as an identifier. This is common in genuine fur coats. Many times there are no tags that indicate fur type or size in real fur coats.
The resale value can vary greatly. Some may garner more money than others because they have greater knowledge of what they are offering and share more details as well promote to get their items seen.
Regarding value, I can see fur wear along the pocket edges as well as the opening edges where the fur is lighter in color. Still a pretty coat. I'm unable to see whether there are any other flaws from the pictures. How much someone will pay for it is really unknown. Prior to offering items I'm unfamiliar with for sale I try to look at other similar items for sale to try to get a ball park of what those who are looking to buy may be seeing. Then I try to price accordingly considering condition.

 

[Lidiya]

You are most welcome and thank you for the additional photos. That is indeed mink and from those photos it looks like it could be natural in color. If color enhanced, it would just have been done so to show the darker undertones in the center of the pelts.
Based on my findings it looks like Rizal furs were offered in women's apparel and accessory stores that offered a variety of items, including winter wear.
The gold tag and chain is pretty. I've seen it in fur garments designed by others too. The embroidered letters are a personalized monogram which was used as an identifier. This is common in genuine fur coats. Many times there are no tags that indicate fur type or size in real fur coats.
The resale value can vary greatly. Some may garner more money than others because they have greater knowledge of what they are offering and share more details as well promote to get their items seen.
Regarding value, I can see fur wear along the pocket edges as well as the opening edges where the fur is lighter in color. Still a pretty coat. I'm unable to see whether there are any other flaws from the pictures. How much someone will pay for it is really unknown. Prior to offering items I'm unfamiliar with for sale I try to look at other similar items for sale to try to get a ball park of what those who are looking to buy may be seeing. Then I try to price accordingly considering condition.

Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful response! I truly appreciate the time you took to examine the photos and provide such valuable insights.
I find it fascinating that the monogram and gold tag are features often found in genuine fur coats. It adds so much character to the piece and makes me wonder about the original owner. The idea of these elements being personalized really brings history to life for me.
I’m actually more curious about the historical value of this coat rather than selling it at the moment. Would you happen to know anything more about Rizal as a brand, such as when they began producing fur garments or if they were known for any specific designs or techniques? The embroidered address tag, in particular, caught my attention, as I’ve noticed it’s not commonly seen on other Rizal coats. Could this indicate anything about the time period or origin of this particular piece?

Thank you again for your help—I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful coat!

 

[furwise]

I have found ads going back to 2002 for Rizal furs but I can see that coat is older based on my knowledge. I did not find any advertisements specifically for them having their own storefront. Their label would have changed over time as other labels do and may have appeared different when offered through different stores. The gold tag is pretty but would not add value to the coat. Knowing more information about the furrier would not impact the resale value of the coat but could help you learn about the history of the individual and the history of their profession. Someone would like this coat more so because they liked the shape, style, and wanted mink.

 

[Lidiya]

I have found ads going back to 2002 for Rizal furs but I can see that coat is older based on my knowledge. I did not find any advertisements specifically for them having their own storefront. Their label would have changed over time as other labels do and may have appeared different when offered through different stores. The gold tag is pretty but would not add value to the coat. Knowing more information about the furrier would not impact the resale value of the coat but could help you learn about the history of the individual and the history of their profession. Someone would like this coat more so because they liked the shape, style, and wanted mink.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and for sharing your knowledge about the Rizal brand. It’s fascinating to learn how their labels and distribution methods might have varied over time.
I’m particularly interested in the historical context of this coat and the furrier’s profession during the time it was made. Would you happen to know more about how furriers worked with retailers in the early 1980s or if Rizal collaborated with any notable stores or designers during that time?

I really appreciate all the details you’ve shared—it’s been so exciting to uncover the story behind this piece.

 

[furwise]

Furriers have worked with retailers as long as they both have existed. It's sort of like having a grocery store. You need to have groceries to sell. Some may farm the food themselves, but some may buy their food from others farmers, and then sell it to the public.
What is inscribed on the gold tag is in French, and in English says Rizal Lyon Fur. When researching Rizal Lyon I found that Rizal was a French designer brand that sold fur coats, jackets, and vests for women. Considering Rizal furs were offered through others' stores, Ancient Beckensteiner may have been a store who offered it.

 

[Lidiya]

Furriers have worked with retailers as long as they both have existed. It's sort of like having a grocery store. You need to have groceries to sell. Some may farm the food themselves, but some may buy their food from others farmers, and then sell it to the public.
What is inscribed on the gold tag is in French, and in English says Rizal Lyon Fur. When researching Rizal Lyon I found that Rizal was a French designer brand that sold fur coats, jackets, and vests for women. Considering Rizal furs were offered through others' stores, Ancient Beckensteiner may have been a store who offered it.

Thank you so much for the clarification and for explaining how furriers worked with retailers—it makes a lot of sense! It’s also fascinating to know that Rizal was a French designer brand specializing in fur and that the tag translates to Rizal Lyon Fur.
The mention of Ancient Beckensteiner as a possible retailer adds another layer of interest. Would you happen to know if Rizal collaborated with any other notable stores or if their designs were considered high-end at the time?

I truly appreciate your time and expertise in helping me uncover the story behind this coat!