Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Byron Greenough’s retail business sold hats, caps, footwear, furs, and fancy goods, a term for novelty items or accessories−such as this fur muff, intended to keep a lady’s hands warm in winter. The muff was likely made from several different types of fur, shown by the mix in color and texture. Byron Greenough & Co. worked in otter, lynx, fitch (weasel), squirrel, and beaver. The muff is lined in silk, and the dark brown patches are animal tails.
A very successful venture, at its peak Byron Greenough & Co. employed about a dozen retail clerks, several traveling salesmen, and as many as fifty young women and girls who crafted the products. The business bought and sold fur pelts and distributed their goods throughout Northern New England and Eastern Canada.
About This Item
- Title: Byron Greenough & Co. fur muff, Portland, ca. 1865
- Creator: Byron Greenough & Co.
- Creation Date: circa 1865
- Subject Date: circa 1865
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: fur, silk
- Dimensions: 21 cm x 18 cm
- Local Code: 2013.345.002
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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More to Consider
Item 110563
Byron Greenough & Co. box lid advertisment, Portland, ca. 1865
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