Mink fur coats have been popular for centuries and have often become prized family heirlooms. Fashion honors fur, and mink is preferred to all other types of furs. Fur also has a place in history as a form of traditional trade and income. With such a background, it is not surprising that there are many varieties, modern styles and manufacturers of mink fur products, including coats. If your label is missing, it can be difficult to identify a mink fur jacket. However, a few tips can help you discover who a mink fur coat was made by, when it was made, and what type of mink it is.
Verify that your coat is authentic mink. Note that with a missing label, it is always wise to check that you have a real fur rather than an imitation. Ask a professional to have a look at your fur and tell you what type of fur, and more specifically, what type of mink your fur is. Know that oftentimes identifying the fur type and origin of the animal can assist you in finding out more information about its manufacturer, in the absence of a tag. Use online images and read about types of mink to educate yourself or make a quick judgment, as authentic mink can be a variety of color shades.
Examine the cut of the coat and use buttons to identify the manufacturer. Use logos, crests or inscriptions as indicators. Watch for clasps bearing trademarks or regional identifiers from the location of construction. Know that farm breeding of minks increased quality of furs around the turn of the century, with most modern furs being constructed in China, followed by the United States and then Europe. Once you know the age of your garment, these facts can help you to better isolate likely candidates for the identity of your mink's missing label.
Look for embroidery, a common way to inscribe the original buyer's identity, which may help to give you an idea of the age of your garment. Check the inside of the left or right breast for a name. Try to use your family history, or a sales record, to inquire about where the owner may have collected the item. Be on the lookout for a pelt label, which unlike a corporate manufacturing label, will tell you about the quality assurance of the fur and therefore, potentially, which manufacturers are endorsed by the pelt label organization.
Writer Bio
W. Nicole Barclay has been writing and editing professionally since 2004, focusing on the fashion and retail industry. She graduated from Parsons the New School for Design and holds a Bachelor of Science in history, international affairs and archeology from Northeastern University. She has completed master's degree work in public policy and nonprofit administration at Northeastern University and The American University in Cairo.