There's a winner!! Muff identification

Muff and Collar made around the 1890-1900s.  The center is
 Longhorn hide and the ruffle is black velvet.  The collar is a high
collar that hooked on. 

And the winner is...
Martha King of Ft. Stockton.  My guess is that Martha as former curator of Historic Fort Stockton and with a ranching heritage herself had no problem identifying that as longhorn hide in the muff along with the velvet.  Stephen Porterfield of the Cat's Meow in Midland (http://antiqueeleganceshow.com/) had this displayed along with a collection of other muffs.  With our latest cold spell, I was in the mood to look at muffs  -- and maybe use one.  According to Stephen, this one belonged to an old ranching family in West Texas and dates to the turn of the century.  What could it tell us about buggy rides, town trips and ranching fun?  Don't you wish it could talk?

Let's get discussions and comments going so we all can learn and benefit.  Next time you are wandering through an antique shop and you see something like this you will know what it is.  When you comment (please, please, please add your comments) remember to click the PUBLISH button so it will upload.  Anyone can comment and if you have an article or picture you would like to post send it to Ann at frontierlady@suddenlink.net and I will post it for you or make you a blog author.

Original posting ===========================================================

Wednesday, December 12, 2012Keeping Warm in Texas

When the weather became frigid on the frontier , gloves were not enough to keep the hands warm so muffs were used to insulate the hands when not in use. Even in Texas, it can get cold! Here's a challenge--what is this muff made of? Kudos to the first person who comments with the correct materials used to make this muff. This muff was found at the Cat's Meow Antiques in Midland, Texas. The owner is a textile and vintage fashion expert for Antiques Road show. A must see shop if you are ever in the area.

Muff and Collar

The only hint you get is !!Only in Texas!!

Please comment---don't muff-le your replies.