Persian Lambswool Fur Coat Womens M Vintage 1950's Real Fur Martins London Uk
Thanks for looking
We have sold hundreds of vintage furniture coats over the years so whilst I'm somewhat familiar with most pelts (they're generally very easy to identify and isolate to the animal) I was slightly stumped when this came into stock. I've never seen a pelt quite like this before. It was made by the world renowned furrier - Martins, who only ever used the best skins (and thus charged the highest prices!) So we know it's a quality piece.
You can tell straight away it's not fox, mink or ferret. Definitely not coney as the fur is very dense - it would be too heavy for a rabbit! There's a very slight curl to the dense, brown pelt so I considered bison (very unusual to find in Europe anyway) but the hairs aren't long enough. After further research I'm 99% sure it's Persian Lamb. Here's what I've discovered (in brief)...
Persian Lambswool
Persian lamb is also called karakul, or caracul. It used to be called astrakhan as well. The sheep are raised for their meat and wool in Russia, Afghanistan, and other countries in that area, but they are also raised in Namibia as well. Persian lamb from the last area listed is trademarked Swakara. Bukhara is the finest Russian Persian lamb. Broadtail is lamb that is stillborn or unborn. Persian broadtail is lamb that is a few days old or less. Persian lamb (karakul, Swakara, and Bukhara) is lamb that is not older than 10 days. The difference in age allows the fur to develop from the moiré pattern to a tight, close curl. After that age, the fur gets longer and begins to lose the distinctive curl. Persian lamb goes in and out of fashion in the United States, but it has long been one of the most popular furs in Europe, especially Germany. The best-wearing Persian lambs are the natural browns, grays, and whites. Black Persian lamb is dyed to avoid the whiteness of the natural leather from showing through the curls. Persian lamb today, thanks to better breeding, comes in a wider range of natural colors and is lighter in weight than even a few years ago
Please note these coats were made to one size. They are so luxurious and the fur is very dense so it will basically fit anyone around a medium. I've put all the measurements below so you can compare with one of your own.
Details
▪︎ Persian Lamb Wool fur coat
▪︎ Made by Martins (London)
▪︎ Dark Brown
▪︎ Size approx Uk 12 - 14 (see specific measurements below)
▪︎ Fully lined in satin
▪︎ 1950s
▪︎ Hook & loop closure (see Condition)
▪︎ Waist pockets
▪︎ Hand crafted in London, England
Sizing
▪︎ Shoulder to shoulder : 39 cm / 15.5 inches
▪︎ Pit to pit: 54 cm / 21 inches
▪︎ Length : 107 cm / 42 inches
▪︎ Shoulder to cuff : 56 cm / 22 inches
▪︎ Pit to cuff : 40 cm / 16 inches
As mentioned above this is suitable for almost anyone apart from the very tall, very short or very wide. Please be aware the style of these coats was to have sleeves that ended just above the wrist (to show off a diamond bracelet!).
Condition
This is the best part! Even though the coat is over half a century old, the fur is in excellent condition. These were very expensive luxury items (basically the equivalent of an expensive car now - much more than just diamonds or a Rolex). Very few people could afford such finery and even if they could it would only be used a couple of times a year. You will see in the pics that there has been repair to the lining in 2 areas, where different material has been used. Even the repair is the best part of 50 years old and is in excellent condition. Additionally the hook from the hook & loop fastering is missing (a replacement would cost £1 on Ebay). Finally, there is some slight wear to the fur at the entrance to the pockets. However, it was always stored in it's own protective case and hung in a dry wardrobe so no nasty insects or damp has ever got anywhere near it. Most importantly, there is no colour fading to the fur. Someone really loved this coat and treated it with the respect it deserves. I hope it now finds a new home where it's new guardian will love it just as much - this is so much more than just a coat. It represents the most beautiful design from the Golden age of tailoring
Feel free to ask any questions
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