Where to get fur coats valued/sold?

ClubMan

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Having cleared my mother's house out for probate sale, we have a couple of fur (one, and possibly both, mink) coats left over which we believe are worth a few bob (especially given the 1980s valuation in the pocket of one). Anybody got any experience or advice on getting fur valued/sold for in order to get the best return? For what it's worth, the proceeds will be going to charity - most likely the Capuchin Day Centre in Smithfield. We were assuming that going to one of the specialist furriers in Dublin might be the best bet but maybe some other course of action would be better?

(Please, no discussion of the ethics of fur - thanks).

Thanks
 
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Just looked at that ad out of curiosity, I'd say will be very lucky to get anything and nothing near price!

I've had this scenario too in the past and a lot further back to when fur wasn't quite as objectionable as it is now and even then couldn't get rid of it. I actually brought it to Vards furriers (seem to have changed hands and different name) in Dublin and their only advice or offer was to take it apart and remake it into a more modern style if I wanted to wear it.

I still have that one, really it will just need to be thrown away eventually, I already threw away one jacket but this is a practically full length nearly black mink coat, fabulous yoke really, I did wear it myself a few times and the weight of it was a bit much although you would certainly not be cold! Might be pulling it out for throwing on the bed this winter with the price of heat!

That said I have been at a few antiques fairs in past couple of years and saw a couple of short mink jackets for sale on the vintage clothes stand, maybe you could try that route, there is a Facebook page for those antiques fairs and you might get an answer re any possible dealers. Never thought to ask myself actually but going to another one in a couple of weeks in Limerick, must have a look and see if there is any there and ask.
 
Have a relation married to a Russian and living there(I know I know) . They love the fact they can buy top quality fur coats over in this part of Europe for next to nothing. Have no idea if there's any websites out there that advertises fur, etc, in those countries. I'd ask her but haven't seen or heard from them in yonks. Good luck with it as I'd say there's a lot of people here who have found themselves in similar situations. Fabulous coats, etc, but it seems that mob rules today
 
South Dublin Auctions usually have fur coats included in their online auction. There is a current sale on which includes fur. It would be useful to give an indication of price.
 
Have a relation married to a Russian and living there(I know I know) . They love the fact they can buy top quality fur coats over in this part of Europe for next to nothing. Have no idea if there's any websites out there that advertises fur, etc, in those countries. I'd ask her but haven't seen or heard from them in yonks. Good luck with it as I'd say there's a lot of people here who have found themselves in similar situations. Fabulous coats, etc, but it seems that mob rules today

See I think these coats should be worn by somebody and especially people in very cold climates, there is no doubt the heat from them is something else, the poor animals in my mother's coat lost their lives a very long time ago and it was/is terrible but dumping them seems wrong too. I am sure somebody right now in a cold half bombed city in Ukraine would be damn glad of a fine warm coat!
 
I was at the Antiques fair in Limerick Racecourse last weekend, quite big fair with lots of stands, there was about 3/4 that had vintage clothes including a few fur coats, real and fake. I did ask one lady about the coats and did they sell, she said they do but would be slow to sell, she doesn't take them in to sell as such, not sure where they were sourced. Selling price on a beautiful long coat was €125, great price if a person was in the market for one but buttons compared to original value I imagine.
 
It's been Barnardo's for a very long time - same family that started the charity.

From their website -

Oldest furriers in the world

John Michael Barnardo opened his fur business in 1812. He located his business in Dame Street beside Dublin Castle and as years progressed they had the honour of becoming the court furriers.

He had a large family and one of his sons, Dr Thomas John, was the founder of the Barnardo Charity as we know it today. Dr Barnardo's younger brother Henry Lionel took on the helm of the business when he went to London to pursue his dream in medicine. Henry grew the business substantially. The business was carried into the next generation with Henry Cecil and he designed the collection through the nineteen twenties. He married late in life and they only had one son, Harry; but fortunately he had the Barnardo creativity in his blood and wished to continue the family business.

Today, the business is run by Harry's widow Caroline, their daughter Elizabeth, and her son Harry who is the sixth generation of the family to be involved with Barnardos.
 
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