I thought this was mink, but I'm told it's muskrat. Thick and luxurious fur, super-soft, it is actually an intact antique Edwardian era lady's muff, or hand warmer and purse combination. Yes, it poofs up and has been used in my home as a throw pillow, though to keep it original I have not sewn up either end and so it's a fabulous and original fashion accessory, or perfect movie prop for any period series (think The Gilded Age, which already shows/uses some of our antiques in their episodes). Wear it in winter to keep your hands toasty warm when out. Found in England decades ago. Full measurements are noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The fur is lush and full, super-soft. There are no places where fur isn't fluffy and full. Laid flat, it is 17” long and 15” wide. It’s down-filled so poofs up fully like a pillow. The muss is complete, unaltered, with a brown moire silk interior and also string passementerie wrist band. I can see that a repair needs to be done on inner silk lining, but left it so you can see the inner fill. Tucking in the open ends makes it almost a ball (though oval) of opulent fur. Slightly to a reddish brown, medium in color, it's clean and fresh and has no odor. Non-smoking home these past 25 years since I found it. SO pretty!
