I Was Thinking.......

[MacCathmhaoil]

Please let me preface this post by saying I am against the trade in endangered species! This post is regarding the "recycling", if I may use that term, of an antique/vintage fur.

I have a unique opportunity to obtain and antique leopard skin ladies coat that is in exceptionally good shape. I have a confirmation from a well known. high quality Canadian sporran maker that they would be interested in manufacturing sporrans from this fur. What I'd like to know is if there are any of our Canadian members who might also be interested in an exceptionally rare sporran? If so please p.m. me!

The coat is a certified antique and there are no concerns regarding CITES as long as there is NO exportation. Preliminary estimates are $300-400.00 per sporran.. These sporrans would be a unique and wonderful heirloom.

If the Mod's feel this post in any way violates any forum rules please allow me to apologize in advance.
MacCathmhaoil

[Chirs]

Jaze! That sounds great but there is just no way I'd get that one past the purse-master! But I do want photos!!

[MacCathmhaoil]

Chris, I figure it will take a month or two for this plan to realize so in the mean while I too will be formulating a plan to covertly add this to my collection. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a difficult addition to hide but you only live once! Fortunately you can only die once as well.....

[sydnie7]

I can't find the thread (despite searching) but I recall another member posting pictures of a vintage ?leopard? coat that he intended to repurpose into a major-league dress sporran. Haven't seen the thread or final results come up lately. Anybody with a better memory than mine (which probably includes 90% of you) recall who was doing this?

[piperdbh]

If there's any way to legally get one of those into the US, I'd be interested in one of them, if multiple sporrans would be offered.

[AKScott]

The trouble with vintage fur is once a hair comes out, it can't be put back in. Correct, temperature controlled bug free storage is key.

IIRC leapord skins were part of the regalia of some of the fraternal organizations from perhaps 1880-1890 up to 1930 or so. It might be worthwhile to think of areas that were economically booming at that time and then find the current classified ads in online newspapers in the same cities. That would be an enormous score if someone were to hit it.

[MacCathmhaoil]

This coat is in excellent condition with no slippage of the hair. I gave it a very careful examination and noticed no bare areas either. The skins are also pliable so it appears to have been well cared for and by the looks of it in cold storage for many years.