I posted last week about winning the bid on an old seal skin fur coat. Well it came in the mail yesterday and it is in pretty good conditioned. I took one cuff off a sleeve and removed the lining. The leather and fur are in excellent condition. The Seal Skin rests I have used in the past were tanned, not died or sheared. This fur is brown, died I expect and has been sheared. It looks like it will make good rest material. What I need from one of you that knows more than me about seal fur to look at a piece and tell me if the fur is seal or some other critter. Sure isn't rabbit, this is nice fur. If one of you are experienced enough I will send you a piece to examine and keep. I plan to cut the coat up in pieces and sell it provided I am sure it is seal. I would only expect your honest evaluation.
Send me a private email with your phone number. Thanks.
I use to buy mine from Alaska Bowhunting Supply who got theirs from local hunters. I bet they can help you.
...or just send a few pieces to me and I will do a test and give you a report on performance. :goldtooth:
If you posted a few pics I might be able to id it for you, although dyeing and shearing will make that tougher.
I have had a couple people that know fur look at photos and say yes it is seal. I spent some time with the coat today and removed the lining second layer that looked like a heavy cotton mat material. All I can say is the folks that make fur garments are talented. The surprise came when I got to look at the leather side. On 2 of the 3 large pieces the hide was stamped in black ink SEAL with a Canadian govt seal and a 4 XXXX number written in ink. The fur and skin are in excellent condition. I am thinking about cutting 2x3 inch pieces with the lie of the fur running the long way. That should be enough for 4-6 bows depending on type. I will cut all pieces oversize so the 2x3 will be a little less than what you get. Some pieces may run larger if all I would have by cutting is waste. Need some help on what a fair price would be delivered and also tell me what you think about size. I am trying to fund a new John McCullough 59er. Some ideas please.
Can we see some pics :)
PM sent to TxAg
Some folks might like larger pieces for tabs.
Killdeer
OK I'm going to tell you guys what the Federal Fish and Wildlife enforcement office in Anchorage told me about the reusing of sealskin products.
They stated to me that as long as the sealskin was used in the making of the coat before the enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, 1972 I believe, the coat can be used, sold, bartered, etc as long as it stays a coat. If the fur is salvaged or turned into another product, ie rests or tabs, it is NOT legal, especially if it is sold or bartered. This is the reason that Ed at Ak Bowhunting quit selling rests and material. It isn't worth the chance to get an over zealous Fed F&W interested in what you are doing.
One guy in Fairbanks got a nice 12,000 dollar fine for just the same repurposing issue. Take it for what it is worth, I know some guys have done it, but it is a gamble and I know at least one guy that monitors websites just like this for violations. Best of luck.
Well folks. you read what Bill said. Not about to go to jail or sell my home over a Seal Skin rest. Sorry but the fur will not be for sale.