Dog Community

Fur coat? What to do?

Posted : 4/27/2008 6:48:17 AM

My dad died a few months ago and in the process of clearing things out of his house we've found a long mink coat (my grandmother's) and a mink wrap (my mom's) and a hand warmer thing with fur I can't identify. They are in excellent condition and I believe they were purchased in the 1950s.

So what do I do with them? I hate the idea of these things not being used by someone--especially the coat which is heavy and REALLY warm. I wish there had been two sets of mittens instead, and my sister and I could each have a pair. Big Smile It's funny I can't see myself buying a new fur coat, but I don't have any problems using/wearing vintage fur to stay warm.

So what can you do with old furs? Sell them? Donate them? I can't see dropping them off in a clothes donation dumpster or leaving them in the recycling center swap shop. Ask the relatives if anyone wants a mink coat?

Obviously my sister and I will have to agree on whatever we do, but if anyone has ideas or has dealt with this before I am open to suggestions.

Bonita of Bwana

Posted : 4/27/2008 9:42:25 AM

My condolences on your father. I lost my Mom 10 years ago and we had to handle the estate with my siblings. Not a fun job, Seriously what do you do with 34 wigs?? Mom liked to change things up... so we donated them to the local High school drama dept.

As for the coats I understand your delima, It is hard to ignore family history and they must have made your Grandmom and Mom so very happy when they wore them. Like you I have no issue with a vintage fur. I think I would donate them , For example my breed is a hunting breed and many have no issues with wearing fur. By donating it to a charitable event someone who has always wanted one can get it and the proceeds go to Rescue or H&G .... Dogs are helped , it is a win win.

If you would like an event I 'd be thrilled to take it to the Ridgeback National in Gettysburg this year... I would set it up in your name so you can get the tax credits and send you pictures of the Blissed out winners Wink

At any rate think about it. You can PM me if I can help you with it.

Bonita of Bwana

BlackLabbie

Posted : 4/27/2008 9:52:32 AM

I think donating is a good idea.

But, if you want to keep the coat in your family, did you ever think about bringing it to get restored? Maybe even use it for yourself on special occasions? Personally, I would keep it and have it restored. My grandmother died a couple years ago. She had 2 fur coats, my Mom kept one and my aunt kept one. Both were restored (I can't think where my Mom brought it but it came back looking fabulous). I don't think my Mom has worn it yet, but it's nice to have it in the family.

BCMixs

Posted : 4/27/2008 11:13:35 AM

I think donating it or selling it and making a donation to a charity you and your sister agree on is a good idea. If it's a matching set, you could probably get a decent amount for them. If you want to keep it in the family, but don't see yourself wearing a full coat, you might be able to get it shortened and use the extra fur to make mittens.

My condolences on your loss as well.

Jewlieee

Posted : 4/27/2008 12:08:04 PM

I like the idea of having it stored for future family members. I could not personally wear real fur - it's just not who I am (I don't think that it's attractive at all).

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/27/2008 2:29:07 PM

Ebay?? If you can't find a cause you want to support if you sell it on E-bay you can do whatever you want with the money, including donate it to a favorite charity .. or not.