Bear skin rugs are a stunning and unique addition to any home. They bring a rustic, outdoorsy charm while evoking a sense of nature and wilderness. However, the market is flooded with replicas and faux versions of these rugs, so it’s crucial to know how to distinguish between authentic and artificial bear skin rugs. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying genuine bear skin rugs to ensure you invest in a high-quality, authentic product.
- Examine the Fur Quality
The first and most obvious indicator of an authentic bear skin rug is the quality of the fur. Bear fur is thick, dense, and soft, with a smooth texture that feels luxurious under your fingers. The fur on a genuine bear skin rug for sale should have a natural sheen and appearance, mimicking the look of a wild animal’s coat.
Check the fur’s length and consistency. Authentic bear skins will have a range of fur lengths, usually shorter on the head and longer on the body, with varying color patterns that resemble those of a real bear. Faux rugs, on the other hand, will often have uniform, synthetic-looking fur with no natural variations in length or texture.
- Inspect the Hide
Along with the fur, pay close attention to the hide itself. Authentic bear skin rugs typically have tough, durable leather hides that are quite thick. These hides retain the natural folds and textures that are unique to the animal’s skin, including any wrinkles or slight imperfections. Synthetic hides, by contrast, often appear smooth and flawless, lacking any natural texture.
When examining the hide, try to feel for any differences in texture between the fur and the leather. The leather should feel somewhat rigid yet supple, while the synthetic options may feel flimsy or overly soft.
- Check for Paws and Claws
One of the easiest ways to identify a genuine bear skin rug is to look for the bear’s paws and claws. Authentic bear skin rugs will feature the full paws of the animal, including the claws, which should be clearly visible and realistic in appearance. The claws of a bear are generally large, curved, and rugged, often protruding slightly from the paws.
On faux rugs, the paws may be poorly replicated or entirely missing. Sometimes, manufacturers substitute the claws with plastic or leather imitations that do not resemble the natural features of a bear’s paw.
- Look for a Proper Tanning Process
A true bear skin rug should be professionally tanned to preserve the fur and hide, ensuring longevity and durability. The tanning process involves treating the animal skin with chemicals to prevent decay and maintain its softness. Authentic bear skins are often tanned in a way that retains the natural scent of the animal, which is something that synthetic versions will lack entirely.
To check for proper tanning, look for small signs of craftsmanship, like even edges around the perimeter of the rug or an intricate stitching pattern. Genuine bear skins are carefully crafted, while fakes may have rough, uneven edges and less attention to detail.
- Check the Rug’s Weight
Another easy way to tell if a bear skin rug is authentic is by assessing its weight. Real bear skin rugs are heavy due to the dense fur and thick leather hide. If you find that the rug feels light or flimsy when lifted, there is a good chance it is a synthetic or faux version. Authentic bear skins can weigh several pounds depending on the size of the bear.
- Examine the Rug’s Shape and Size
Authentic bear skin rugs typically have irregular, natural shapes that resemble the form of a real bear. These rugs often feature the natural curvature of the body and limbs, with a slightly asymmetric appearance, as no two bears have identical body shapes.
Fake bear rugs, however, may be oddly shaped or unnaturally symmetrical, as manufacturers tend to craft them in a standardized manner to save time and money. Additionally, the size of the rug is an essential factor to consider—genuine bear skins tend to be quite large, often covering a significant portion of a room.
- Ask About the Source
To further ensure that you’re purchasing an authentic bear skin rug, inquire about its source. Genuine bear skins come with documentation or a certificate of authenticity, which proves the rug’s origin. Some manufacturers or sellers provide proof of ethical sourcing, including information about legal hunting or conservation efforts.
If the seller cannot provide information about the rug’s origin or history, or if the price seems too good to be true, it’s best to proceed with caution. Genuine bear skin rugs are a significant investment, and if the deal appears suspicious, there’s a higher chance that the rug is not authentic.
- Price vs. Quality
Finally, the price of a bear skin rug can give you valuable insights into its authenticity. Genuine bear skin rugs are often expensive due to the labor-intensive tanning and crafting process, as well as the rarity of the materials. While there are cheaper faux versions available on the market, they typically cannot match the look, feel, and durability of the real thing.
Be wary of extremely low-priced bear skin rugs, as they may be mass-produced replicas or made from lower-quality synthetic materials.
Conclusion
Identifying an authentic bear skin rug can be a detailed process, but with the right knowledge, you can confidently distinguish real from fake. Focus on the quality of the fur, hide, paws, tanning process, and the rug’s overall craftsmanship. If you’re still uncertain, always request information about the rug’s source, and remember that genuine bear skin rugs are an investment in both beauty and quality.
