A Rhino, a Tiger, a Lion and a Leopard were among the lots sold today at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. The taxidermy heads of these animals came from collectors mainly in the UK and Germany and attracted buyers from around the world. Many of the items were over 100 years old and therefore pre-dated the law requiring licenses for endangered species and for all those from after 1947 which require licenses, these were in place, giving buyers the reassurance of their legality.

The buyers were not only keen collectors of natural history specimens, but also a large number of interior designers looking for striking pieces for their clients’ homes around the world. The fashion for minimalism seems to have passed into a new phase for drama and spectacular statement pieces in the home.

The antlers in the sale were all fine examples of breeds of animals from Europe, America, Africa and Asia including Scottish Red Deer, American Wapiti, African Impala, Kashmir Stag, Tibetan Antelope and Canadian Moose.

The Taxidermy section included some big cat trophies - two Bengal Tigers (lots 1169 and 1170) sold for £3,200 (estimate £500-£600) and £2,100 (estimate £1, 000-£1,500) respectively, a male Lion (lot 1168) sold for £2,500 (estimate £500-£700) and a Leopard (lot 1167) sold for £1,000 (estimate £200-£300).  The last lot in this section was an enormous Indian Rhinoceros head which sold for £3,800 (estimate £800-£1,200).

Also, two lots of Collections of Moths in glazed cases sold for exceptional prices, lot 1122 bringing £1,300 (estimate £200-£300) and lot 1123 bringing £1,500 (estimate £200-£300).

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Lot 1167. Sold for £1000

Lot 1168. Sold for £2500

Lot 1169. Sold for £3200

Lot 1171. Sold for £3800