MARTEN

The Marten, an American cousin of the Russian sable, produces a Fur of great beauty which travels often under the name of “Hudson Bay Sable.” It is fine and dense, with glistening overhairs almost as long as those of the fox. Colors vary from bluish brown to dark brown – from pale brown to yellow with orange tones. The lighter shades are almost invariably tip-dyed to dark sable colors. Marten wears extremely well and is generally used for scarf’s and trimming.

The American marten surprised early trappers by disappearing for nine or ten years, only to return just as suddenly. Where they went, and why, has always remained a mystery. They feed on squirrel and mice, and live in tree tops.

The Baum marten hails from Northern Europe, Asia, and Asia Minor. It is sometimes referred to as the yellow-breasted Marten because of its lighter throat markings. At one time this fine Fur was restricted solely to those of noble birth. When dyed, baum marten so closely resembles Russian Sable that only and expert can distinguish the difference. The stone marten is readily identified by the white patch on the neck. It is used in its natural grayish-brown coloring for chokers or scarfs. The stone marten is not as fine and silky as the sable or baum martin, but has the advantage of having a very popular tail. These tails have been known to sell for double the price of either baum marten or sable tails. The Japanese, or “canary” marten, is slightly smaller in size. Some species have shorter Fur which is of a yellowish color that calls for dyeing.