Beaver fur has been a valuable commodity for centuries, prized for its soft, dense underfur known as beaver wool. Beaver fur played an important role in the early North American fur trade and helped spur European exploration and settlement of the continent. Today, beaver fur remains a unique material valued for its natural beauty and warmth. But what exactly makes beaver fur so valuable, and how does its value compare to other animal furs?
The Properties of Beaver Fur
Beaver fur consists of two layers – a dense underfur layer known as beaver wool, covered by an outer layer of longer guard hairs. It is the soft, fine underfur that gives beaver fur its distinctive qualities. Beaver wool fibers are approximately 8-25 microns in diameter, making them similar to cashmere wool fibers. However, beaver underfur is denser than cashmere with about 165,000 hairs per square inch. This dense layer of short, fine hairs provides excellent insulation.
In addition, beaver fur contains microscopic air pockets that help retain heat. The coarse guard hairs provide protection for the delicate underfur. Beaver fur comes in a range of natural colors from pale brown to almost black. The combination of soft underfur and protective guard hairs make beaver fur durable as well as warm.
Historical Value of Beaver Fur
Beaver fur had tremendous economic importance during the early colonial period in North America. European demand for beaver fur hats and other apparel drove the lucrative fur trade. Beaver pelts became a form of currency between Native American tribes and European traders. The availability of beaver fur draws early French and British settlers deep into the interior of Canada and the northern United States. The fur trade helped open up the interior of the continent for exploration and settlement.
At its height in the 17th and 18th centuries, felted beaver fur felt was the preferred material for fashionable hats in Europe. A single pelt could fetch the modern equivalent of over $1,000. The high value of their pelts nearly drove American beaver populations to extinction. However, the decline of the beaver fur trade in the 19th century allowed their numbers to recover.
Modern Uses for Beaver Fur
While the beaver fur trade is only a fraction of what it once was, beaver pelts still have value for furriers and clothing manufacturers. Here are some of the main uses for beaver fur today:
– Outerwear – Beaver fur coats and jackets provide exceptional warmth and durability. The coarse guard hairs tend to wear well. Beaver fur linings add insulation and luxurious softness to premium winter coats.
– Hats – Fur felt made from beaver underfur remains the preferred material for high-end hats. The dense fur is steam-treated and compressed to make durable, water-resistant felt. Felt made from beaver is more consistent and durable than wool felt.
– Trims – Beaver fur is commonly used to trim hoods, cuffs, hems and collars and other garments to add softness, warmth and texture. It is also used for luxurious beaver fur rugs and blankets.
– Shearling – Shearling sheepskin with a beaver fur backing is valued for its extra warmth and velvet-like feel.
– Fly tying – The fine beaver underfur is used by fly fishermen to create artificial flies that mimic aquatic insects.
Beaver Fur Production
Most commercial beaver fur comes from government sanctioned trapping programs in North America and Europe. The CITES organization monitors and regulates the international fur trade, including beaver fur. Here is a look at current global beaver fur production:
| Country | Annual Beaver Fur Production |
| Canada | 1.5 – 2 million pelts |
| United States | 50,000 – 100,000 pelts |
| Russia | 50,000 – 150,000 pelts |
| Scandinavia | 15,000 – 30,000 pelts |
| South America | 5,000 – 15,000 pelts |
Canada accounts for the majority of commercially harvested beaver. The annual number of pelts produced depends on pelt prices and demand.
Beaver Fur Prices
Like other types of fur, the price of beaver pelts tends to fluctuate with trends in fashion and demand. Here are some current price ranges:
– Raw beaver pelts – $30 – $120
– Finished pelts ready for garment manufacturing – $150 – $600
The highest grade pelts come from late season trapping when the fur is thickest. These premium pelts may fetch over $300. Demand from China has helped buoy beaver pelt prices in recent years.
While far below their peak in the 1700s-1800s, today’s beaver fur prices reflect the continuing desirability of this unique natural material.
Beaver Fur Compared to Other Types of Fur
Beaver fur has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other common types of fur:
Advantages:
– Very dense, warm underfur
– Naturally water resistant
– Durable guard hairs
– Long lasting if cared for
– Rare rufous shades in some specimens
Disadvantages:
– Not as supple or glossy as mink
– Heavier than fox or rabbit fur
– No exotic appeal like coyote or sable fur
– Limited supply compared to ranched fur like mink
Here’s how beaver compares to some other popular furs:
| Beaver | Mink | Sable | |
| Durability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Softness | Very good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Warmth | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Cost Per Pelt | $30-$600 | $25-$150 | $600-$6,000+ |
In summary, beaver offers exceptional durability and warmth but less sheen and softness compared to luxury furs like mink and sable. Its natural rarity makes it cost more than common ranch furs.
Conclusion
While no longer the economic engine of the fur trade as it once was, beaver fur remains a unique and desirable material centuries after its discovery by Europeans. The combination of its unparalleled insulating properties, natural water resistance, and durable texture make beaver fur well suited to premium outerwear and accessories. Its limited supply and labor intensive harvesting prevent beaver fur from ever becoming a cheap commodity. While synthetic fabrics have replaced some uses of beaver fur, it remains a coveted natural fur for cold weather apparel.