Housed in a magnificent wooden chalet in Bavaria (in the lower foothills of the Alps) is a unique deer collection of a type unlikely to be formed again by any other enthusiast in the future. Collected over the last 35 years by hunter and conservationist Christian Oswald, a highly respected deer expert, the auction at Tennants, Leyburn, North Yorkshire on July 21 will give international collectors the chance to acquire superb specimens gathered from some of the worlds most remote and inaccessible areas such as Tibet, Mongolia and Siberia.

Over three hundred antlers will be offered in a sale expected to realise well in excess of £150,000. Included is a rare example of the massive antlers of the extinct Irish “Giant Elk” (Megaloceros Giganteus), a species which is thought to have died out about 11,000 years ago, estimated at  £20,000 to £30,000.  This huge item was acquired by Christian Oswald a decade or so ago from G. Kenneth Whitehead (with whom he shared research, and whose collection Tennants sold last year for £470,000).  These extraordinary antlers have been mounted on a tubular metal recreation of this animal’s “juggernaut” sized body. 

The collection includes some superb historic examples, such as several large European Red Deer antlers mounted on wooden shields from the celebrated collection of Maximilian Graf von Arco-Zinneberg (1811-1885) who was amongst the greatest of all “Bayerischer” hunters.They were originally from his famous antler room, where even the furniture and chandeliers were constructed from antlers)

Other remarkably rare specimens to be sold include several antlers of the extinct Schomburgk’s Deer (Cervus Schomburgki – Thailand), named after Sir Robert Schomburgk who was British Consul in Bangkok from 1857-1864. The last wild individuals are thought to have died around 1932.

Of ethnographical interest are a number of extraordinary painted antlers (one painted with a demonic face!) from Mongolia, of shamanistic significance.

The collection is especially rich in Asian species, built up by Christian Oswald’s many contacts in these countries over three decades .Included are species from Mongolia, China, Tibet and Siberia, such as White-Lipped Deer, Mongolian and Siberian Elk and Tien Shan Red Deer. Few Western collections have such specimens from these areas so interest will no doubt be high.  There is a substantial amount of material from Europe as well as specimens from the United States of America and Canada (including Red Deer, European Roe, Maral and Wapiti (Elk)).

Christian Oswald’s totally professional approach to collecting means that the sale comprises not just antlers but antlers with frontlet or the whole skull, skins, skeletons and mounted heads – all generally in immaculate condition. There are numerous splendid examples of Bulgarian, Hungarian and Spanish Red Deer antlers.  Oswald’s collection of Cervus Elaphus specimens is unprecedented – demonstrating variation in a wide spread and diverse species.  Nearly all specimens for sale come complete with detailed information on locality, date of collection, weight etc – making it a rich source for DNA-research! 

Of great European interest will be a fascinating range of non-typical or “abnormal” types of antler, where, due to dietary change, injury or disease, the antlers have taken on strange or stunted formations.  There are numerous Roe frontlets or skulls with antlers from Europe, and from Mongolia and China.

Christian Oswald is selling his collection with the hope that his meticulously documented specimens will find appreciative and useful “homes” in private or scientific based collections. Tennants are delighted to handle this important collection.

Specialist valuer Adam Schoon and photographer Harry Middleton spent an intensive week in Bavaria in late March preparing the catalogue which will be published in early June. The auction will be “live online”, so wherever you are in the world, you will be able to listen to and observe lots being auctioned, and make live bids on the internet. Any potential bidders can register for live bidding: -  www.the-saleroom.com

The sale will be preceded by a Special Charity Preview Evening (with venison stew and Bavarian Pils of course!), and monies raised will go to the Christian Oswald Foundation for the Reintroduction Project for Przewalski Horses in the Gobi B-Reservation, Mongolia.  Since 1970 the Przewalski horse has been considered as extinct in its original habitat.  The Christian Oswald Foundation has worked in conjunction with the “International Takhi Group”, founded in Zurich with the objective of reintroducing Takhi’s (Takhi is the name given by the Mongolians and means “yellow horse”) to their original habitat on a long and sustainable basis.

NB further detailed information and photographs concerning the Przewalski Project are available on request.

Further further Information: Adam  Schoon  adam.schoon@tennants-ltd.co.uk

For the sale catalogue please contact Tennants at enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk or call on 01969 623780.

G.Kenneth Whitehead Deer Collection

Sale Results (21 & 22 July 2005)

View The Christian Oswald Deer Collection Catalogue

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Herr Christian Oswald

A small part of the beautifully displayed collection

Giant Elk” antlers, £20,000-30,000

Rare specimen of the extinct Schomburgk’s Deer, one of four in the sale, estimates range between £3000 and £6000 per specimen

Siberian elk antlers, estimate £300-£500

Munted antlers from Graf von Arco-Zinneberg collection, estimate £200 to £300

An attractive taxidermy head European Roe estimate £150-250