Fur has been a luxurious and sought-after material for centuries. For both fur buyers and sellers, the auction house is the place where quality fur is traded, offering the best prices for high-quality pelts. When it comes to international fur auctions, there are four major auction houses that dominate the global market. These houses are known for their vast reach, expertise, and high-quality furs, sourced from the most renowned fur farms around the world.
In this article, we will explore these four legendary fur auction houses, their specialties, and what makes them stand out in the fur industry. We’ll also dive into how fur is categorized and graded at these auctions, which can help you understand the quality of fur products you’re buying or selling.
1. Saga Furs: The Leader of European Fur
Saga Furs, based in Finland, is Europe’s largest and most prestigious fur auction house. Specializing in Scandinavian fur, Saga Furs is particularly known for its high-quality farm-raised mink, fox, and Finnish sable. The auction house is renowned for its strict standards and the care it takes in breeding and raising the animals, ensuring only the finest pelts are sold at auction.
Fur Specialties: Mink, Fox, Finnish Sable
Grading System: Crown, First Class, Second Class
Saga Furs is renowned for its Nordic mink, prized for its softness, rich color, and density. The mink from Saga Furs has a thinner undercoat and thicker fibers, making it ideal for luxury fur garments. If you're looking for the best in European fur, Saga Furs should be at the top of your list.
2. NAFA: The North American Powerhouse
NAFA (North American Fur Auctions), located in Canada, is the largest fur auction house in North America and the third-largest in the world. NAFA specializes in fur from both farm-raised and wild animals in Canada and the U.S., with mink and fox being among the most prominent. It’s known for handling the highest quality pelts from these regions, and its auctions attract major buyers from around the globe.
Fur Specialties: Mink, Fox, Wild Animals (including Coyote, Beaver, and more)
Grading System: Gold Label, Silver Label, No Label
NAFA is a key player in the North American fur market, and its auctions are known for their transparency, organization, and expert grading system. The fur from this auction house typically has a thick undercoat, finer fibers, and high density, which makes it durable and luxurious.
3. Copenhagen Fur: The World’s Largest Fur Auction House
Copenhagen Fur, based in Denmark, is the largest fur auction house in the world. It is the go-to auction house for mink, with over 60% of the world’s mink pelts being auctioned here. Copenhagen Fur is famous for its Scandinavian mink and offers an extensive selection of top-tier pelts for buyers around the world.
Fur Specialties: Mink
Grading System: Purple, Platinum, Burgundy, Ivory White
Copenhagen Fur is highly regarded for its high-quality Scandinavian mink, and it often sets the standard for mink fur around the world. The pelts sold here are known for their silky softness, rich color, and superior density, making Copenhagen Fur the best place to buy mink for luxury garments.
4. GLMA: The Historic American Legend
GLMA (Great Lakes Mink Association), based in the U.S., is the world’s oldest and one of the most respected fur auction houses. Established in 1898, GLMA is known for its long history in the fur industry and its contributions to the American fur market. The auction house focuses on farm-raised mink and is supported by mink ranchers from the Great Lakes region, providing some of the finest American mink.
Fur Specialties: Mink
Grading System: Beaujolais, Gala, Standard
GLMA’s reputation is built on its history and commitment to excellence in mink fur. The mink from GLMA is highly prized for its dense undercoat, fine fibers, and long-lasting quality. This auction house continues to be a key player in the global fur industry, offering some of the best American mink pelts available.
How Fur is Graded at Auction
At all four major fur auction houses, fur is graded based on several key factors that determine its overall quality and value. Here are some of the common grading systems used:
Undercoat Thickness: The thicker and denser the undercoat, the higher the quality of the fur. Fur with a fine, thick undercoat is softer and warmer.
Fiber Density: Dense fibers create a luxurious feel and contribute to the durability of the fur.
Color and Texture: The uniformity of color and texture plays a huge role in grading. Irregularities or imperfections can lower the grade of the fur.
Overall Condition: The condition of the fur, including any damages, scratches, or imperfections, will affect its grade.
Conclusion: Which Auction House Should You Choose?
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, choosing the right auction house is crucial. Each of these four major fur auction houses—Saga Furs, NAFA, Copenhagen Fur, and GLMA—offers a unique selection of high-quality furs, each with its specialties. For European furs, Saga Furs and Copenhagen Fur are the top choices, while NAFA is the leader in North America. GLMA offers the highest quality American mink with a rich historical legacy.
By understanding the key characteristics of these auction houses and their grading systems, you can make informed decisions when purchasing fur for your collections or business.
