Inherited furs...now what?

March 6, 2022 3:00 PM

A few members of my family in their 90s have passed away, and I've inherited two mid-century fur shawls/short jacket thingies that were very popular in the 50s. I will never ever, not never ever wear them. They are in beautiful condition, and I'm sure someone would love them for a collection, where do I even start trying to find a new home for vintage furs?
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (13 answers total)

One possibility is donating them to wildlife rescue. Or if you would rather, see if there are any high-end consignment or vintage clothing stores in your area. Some will take fur, some won’t, it just depends.
posted by corey flood at 3:11 PM on March 6, 2022 [7 favorites]

Best answer: If you are interested in donation, it's possible a theatre costumer or a theater company might be accept them. I donated a lot of ladies hats and purses from the 50's and early 60s to a local high school with a robust theater program, along with numerous white and lace gloves. Just right for some period shows.
posted by citygirl at 3:41 PM on March 6, 2022 [20 favorites]

I would repurpose into a lap throw or pillow.
posted by beccaj at 3:48 PM on March 6, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: When my grandmother passed away, my aunt had one of her fur coats turned into teddy bears for each of the grandchildren. Not necessarily a new home, but maybe a new purpose?
posted by Ms Vegetable at 4:33 PM on March 6, 2022 [9 favorites]

This was me about a decade ago, and they probably aren't as valuable as you expect. I took mine first to a fur shop in NYC and that's when I found out one of them was opossum, not whatever fancier animal my relative claimed. I ended up donating them to Coats for Cubs which appears to be defunct, tho links out to other places to donate. I also considered getting one or two made into a teddy bear.
posted by paradeofblimps at 4:37 PM on March 6, 2022 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: Oh, the theatre idea is a great one, as are teddy bears. Thanks gang!
posted by SecretAgentSockpuppet at 5:11 PM on March 6, 2022 [2 favorites]

A community theater would be a great place to try. Most of our costumes had been donated from various attics around town.
posted by champers at 5:27 PM on March 6, 2022 [3 favorites]

You also might be able to sell these to a pro costume house that does period film work. I don't think you'd even have to be located near them if the pieces are nice enough.
posted by ivanthenotsoterrible at 5:34 PM on March 6, 2022 [4 favorites]

The New Yorker had an article about getting rid of household things last week, and suggested donating furs to animal rescues! I would never have known, but -
posted by Dashy at 6:14 PM on March 6, 2022 [3 favorites]

I know there are many issues with PETA, but they've been donating fur coats to refugees:
PETA Supporters Donate Fur Coats to Afghanis and Pakistanis in Need.
posted by ShooBoo at 10:26 PM on March 6, 2022 [3 favorites]

Came to suggest theatre company also.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 5:33 AM on March 7, 2022

Having just went through the process of trying to find a full length fur for a theater production, I will Nth the recommendation for a community theater!
posted by griffey at 5:37 AM on March 7, 2022 [2 favorites]

If your local theatre groups don't want them you can also try the local cosplay or re-enactment group who might want them for materials. Check at your local gaming store for contacts if you have no idea where to look for them.
posted by Jane the Brown at 7:13 AM on March 7, 2022 [1 favorite]