I have a buffalo robe/carriage blanket from the 1880s and I'm wondering if any of you folks know what the tanning process was in those days. The wool is as snug as though it were tanned today and I'd like to use the robe as a throw on cold winter nights but it has been suggested that they used arsenic in the tanning process back then and it wouldn't be safe to have in proximity to your skin.

Anyone familiar with these?

I know that years ago they used arsenic in some tanning processes.

I tried to have it professionally cleaned and they wouldn't touch it. Not interested at all. I don't know if it was an arsenic issue or they were afraid it would fall apart.

They also brain tanned and pee and hard wood ash

Is there backing material on it or is it just the hide?

Moosetrot

Ask white, he may have been the one that tanned it.

It has a backing on it.

Lol!

I don't want to spend a fortune on this thing but I wonder if it could be tested for arsenic. It's hanging on a wall right now.

Why not take it into a respectable taxidermist and ask them there thoughts on it and what could or should be done with it
Many years ago when I guided big game hunters I used a bull buffalo hide for a mattress I rarely ever zipped up my sleeping bag that season.

That's a good idea, Allan. I'm going to do just that.

Nice !! We have a special this week on vacations. You wouldn't be the first

If it does have some evil chemical in it, I wonder if it's possible to re-tan it with newer methods

Would the arsenic, that was possibly used in it, still be a danger from 130 years ago?

Democrats still are, so.....

I've wondered the same thing. When is a good time for that visit? How close to good moose hunting?

I assume it might be as it was brought up as a concern. I found a good article on tanning methods from that era and there was no mention of arsenic being used in the process.

Here's the robe. One hundred and thirty or so years later and the hair is as tight as the day it was tanned.

I'm having a colonoscopy that day, but you can come along if you like

That's a dandy, Posco! Some of the ones I have bought and sold were nowhere near that. That would be worthy of a little investment, in my opinion.

Moosetrot