A Walk on the Wild Side

Decorative furnishing pieces proved in demand in the Natural History and Taxidermy Sale on 5^th October, with top prices going to unusual pieces such as a mid-19^th century German armchair formed from a frame of antlers, which sold for £1,800 (plus buyer’s premium). Two giant fossilised half clam shells, which have been dated to 180-240,000 years old, caught the eye of buyers, selling for £1,400 (plus b.p) each, and a pair of Art Deco Style Plains Zebra Hide Armchairs sold for £1,100 (plus b.p). Also appealing to interiors fans were a pair of modern Plains Zebra Hide Travelling Trunks, which sold for £700 (plus b.p).

Period examples of rare species were also eagerly fought over too, such as a c.1930 Little Spotted Kiwi that sold for £1,600 (plus b.p), a c.1900 Part Walrus Scull from North America that sold for £1,600 (plus b.p), and a very rare specimen of a c.1900 Western Ground Parrot – now one of the rarest birds on the planet.

The sale resulted in a total Hammer Price of £61,410 with 86% of the 263 lots sold.

All auction entries are sold strictly in accordance with CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) regulations, and any necessary licences or Pre-sale approvals are obtained from Animal Health, Bristol.

We are currently accepting lots for the next sale of Natural History and Taxidermy which will take place in early 2019, please contact us on 01969 623780 or enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk for details.

View full sale results.