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Grey Swing Back Fur Jacket

Date1940s

Object NameJacket

Mediumsquirrel or rabbit fur, rayon and silk

ClassificationsFashion and Dress

DimensionsBack Length: 84cm
Bust: 104cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1987.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS013861

Keywords

About MeThe demand for fur for the fashion industry used to be so great that alternatives were needed for those who could not afford the more expensive, exotic and rare big cat skins. The dense populations of rabbits and squirrels made these mammals an obvious choice. Rabbit in particular was especially popular during the mid 20th century as it was still commonly eaten for its meat, so the skins became a by-product of the industry in the way that leather is from cattle. Rabbit was also popular as its fur is both dense and extremely soft. The fur for this jacket has been cut and sewn in strips to create a chevron pattern to the finished garment.