Sable Sable The sable ("Martes zibellina") is a species of marten, a small carnivorous mammal primarily inhabiting the forest environments, of Russia, from the Ural Mountains throughout Siberia, and northern Mongolia. Its habitat also borders eastern Kazakhstan, China, North Korea and Hokkaidō, Japan. Its range in the wild originally extended through European Russia to Poland and Scandinavia. Historically, it has been hunted for its highly valued dark brown or black fur, which remains a luxury good to this day. While hunting is still common in Russia, most fur on the market is now commercially farmed. The name "sable" appears to be
Conservation and restoration of fur objects belonged to Louis XIV and Louis XV. "Its skin was varnished and stretched over a frame of wooden hoops." The skin is now on display at the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris, but is it unlikely it could be remounted. The care and cleaning of fur objects should always be undertaken by a trained collections manager or conservator. Provided there is no shedding issue, brushing is the first step in cleaning fur objects. Light brushing, using a paintbrush, will help dislodge any particulate soiling, surface dust, and insect frass. Stiffer natural brushes can be used if the dirt is