Marten skins sales dynamics at the international fur auction «Soyuzpushnina»

The article analyzes the results of marten pelts sales of marten pelts at the Sojuzpushnina International fur auction from 2016 to 2024. Martens are among the important hunting fur-bearing animals, as they have high-quality and beautiful fur. In ancient Russia, in the northern, forested region, where the skins of fur-bearing animals were the universal equivalent, the beautiful and durable fur of the marten – «kuna» had the role of the main monetary unit. The visual external similarity with sable skins, especially in light tones, is the reason for the increased interest in forest marten skins in recent years. The prices of marten pelts at Soyuzpushnina International auctions depend on such factors as the quality of the furs on display, their quantity, the interest of buyers, fashion and weather in the current season. The maximum number of marten skins was sold at 214 February auctions (2021) in the amount of 13 160 skins (79 % of the exhibited lot) from 2016 to 2024. The minimum number of marten skins sold was at 212 fur auctions in 2020 – due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of marten skins fell to 514 pieces, or 3 % of the collection put up for sale.