Quote Originally Posted by Colin View Post
I hope the topic is going somewhere informative.
I hope so too since I've asked the question! :-)
But seriously.. I can sure spot the difference between various otters and, of course, seals but the furs as they have been handled, processed (including the use of dyes) and fashioned into sporrans? Unless its a mask you don't get to see a face! Gray seal is often gray but not aways (like blonds are not always really blond). Dense, directional, greasy hair? All of these qualify don't they?
I know of no good reference books on these furs as they have been used. This is the trade of sporran makers, furriers, conservators and custom's agents :-)