This fur is often mentioned in many old wet fly patterns. Usually Russian Sable is meant, as that is where most of it came from, and although the fur varies in texture and quality, it is usually the soft dark chocolate brown fur which is meant. This was usually mixed with other furs to obtain the desired effect. The guard hairs from the tail were often used as whisks ( tails) on various flies, but body guard hairs may also be used for this if of sufficient length and quality. At one time this fur was extremely popular for making ladies muffs, stoles, etc. Unfortunately, much fur from furriers, is often "shorn" ( Guard hairs cut short) or treated in other ways, making it less suitable or versatile for the fly-dresser.For most fly-dressing purposes raw fur is best, although of course many tanned furs may be used. Pelts which have been shorn, plucked, or had various other treatments, are less suitable and versatile. Unfortunately, the piece shown here has also been shorn, and plucked ( Guard hair removed). But as I use it for blending dubbing on some old patterns, that is not quite so tragic in this case.
(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3282/sable1b.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/sable1b.jpg/)
A variety of pelts are shown below which are all known as Sable, or Marten Sable. Photos courtesy of Peter Palms
(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/217/cpmarten7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/405/cpmarten7.jpg/)
(http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8514/sable31in90.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/sable31in90.jpg/)
(http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2197/sablerus170.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/508/sablerus170.jpg/)
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