Vintage Astrakhan Coats & Persian Lamb

An astrakhan coat is a coat made from the tightly curled pelt of the karakul lamb, sold under several names depending on where it was made and when it was labelled: astrakhan, karakul, Persian lamb and swakara. The curl lies close and flat, with a moiré sheen, which is why furriers cut it like cloth into structured, close-fitting coats and jackets.

The pelt takes its name from Astrakhan on the Caspian, and from the karakul sheep breed itself; swakara is the trade name used for the South West African variety. Where a longer-haired pelt would only bulk out, astrakhan tailors: shawl and notch collars, cocoon backs, single-button fronts.

Each piece here is one of one. When it is gone, it is gone.

Astrakhan coats, answered

What is a Persian lamb coat, and is it worth anything?

A Persian lamb coat is made from the tightly curled pelt of the karakul lamb, the same pelt sold as astrakhan and swakara. Vintage Persian lamb coats typically ask about $100 to $1,400 at fur dealers (October 2026). They are widely available, so prices stay moderate, and condition, the label and a wearable cut decide where a coat sits. The price guide is in what a vintage fur coat is worth.

How much does a vintage astrakhan coat cost?

Most of the astrakhan, Persian lamb and swakara coats here are priced between about €145 and €400 (October 2026), with rare couture pieces above that. Across vintage fur dealers, Persian lamb and broadtail coats typically ask about $100 to $1,400; the price ranges by fur type are in The Fur Story.

Is astrakhan real fur?

Yes. Astrakhan is a genuine pelt: the skin of the karakul lamb with its natural curl. Faux astrakhan exists too, usually a curled pile on a knitted backing, and any faux piece in this collection says so in its listing.

What is the difference between astrakhan and Persian lamb?

None in the animal. Astrakhan, Persian lamb, swakara and karakul all describe the pelt of the same karakul sheep; the words differ by age, origin and trade custom. Persian lamb is the Western trade name for the pelts of recently born lambs, and astrakhan is a Russian place name that became a trade name.

What does swakara mean on a label?

Swakara stands for South West Africa Karakul, that is, Namibian. On a vintage garment it usually indicates later production than an unqualified “Persian lamb” label.

Is astrakhan the same as broadtail?

No. Broadtail comes from unborn or premature lambs, so it has no curl, only a flat, wavy, watered-silk figure. Nothing in our archive is broadtail: the coats here are Persian lamb, astrakhan and swakara, from lambs that were born.

Read the full guide: astrakhan, Persian lamb and swakara explained · The Fur Story · Brown fur coats