I've always wondered... When you get an animal 'tanned', is that the same as getting it 'dressed'? I've been on a search for TANNED Wolverine pelts around $300, then I find DRESSED ones for $175. Both specimens are are of high quality fur grade (Hole-less and slip-less). Is there a difference? Please clarify this for me!
Thanks!
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What I've always considered is that FUR is dressed and hides are just fleshed. Maybe wrong, but that's my take.
Hair on is dressed, Hair off is tanned. There are probably more destinctions to it than that, but for our purposes that should cover it. Be careful when purchasing "dressed" skins. It they are "dressed" for the fur market they may(probably) will not be prepared for taxidermy. That is why the tanners that we deal with usually call them selves "fur dressers" rather than "tanners". Ex; Carolina Fur Dressing.
I tell inquiring minds that tanning is one thing, but the fine, smooth, soft garment tan is dressing. Dressing is shaved thin, sanded, powdered, anything for a soft long-lasting skin. Tanning to me is when we want stretch, memory, strength, etc. Thats just how I see it.