I performed a network install on the island of St. Paul off the coast of Alaska in '98. The island is home to a rather large Aleut population, who are granted permission to kill a number of seals each year for food, but given the moritorium on pelts, the skins must be disposed of.
However, those pelts from seals that were killed pre-moritorium are legal and legitimate, and as a gift for performing the service for them they gave me one of those pelts. They had only a handful of them left, and they were for sale for $300 each at the tribal goverment's offices. (Rather nice bonus, I'd say, considering they covered all expenses for my wife and myself to spend what amounted to a week vacation on the island, and gave me $200 cash!) hehehe
Well, I am getting into SCA heavy fighting, and am interested in finding out if there is anyone interested in doing some bartering or purchasing this LEGAL Northern Fur Seal pelt as a means of acquiring armor for myself.
About the pelt itself, it is dark brown, incredibly soft and obviously professionally tanned. The hide on the back of the pelt is very soft and supple. It measures approx 23"x14", and had 2 roughly 5" holes on the sides of the pelt from the flippers. I can post or email pics if there is any interest.
To the right person, this pelt could be quite an addition to garb/armor. I am only wanting to give this up in the hopes that I can parlay it into some heavy armor for myself.
Please don't hesitate to shoot me an email if you have any questions. insidious_lunacy@yahoo.com However, remember that this pelt was taken pre-moritorium (which I believe was '84 or '86), and the flesh from this animal was FOOD for the Aleuts of St. Paul, Alaska.
Learn more about St. Paul Island (EXCELLENT birdwatching) at: http://www.alaskabirding.com/home.html
Cheers, mate!