Late 19th and early 20th century taxidermy continues to be in high demand, with strong prices being seen throughout the Natural History and Taxidermy Sale on 5th August. The top lot of the sale, selling for £3,500, wasn an impressively sized Late Victorian Cabinet Display of European and Asian Birds (all figures exclude buyer’s premium). Made circa 1870-1900, the diorama contained over 100 birds mounted on branches, including specimen such as the Himalayan monal, Indian paradise flycatcher and hoopoe. The cabinet display was once owned by Sir Henry Peek (1825-1898), the renowned businessman and noted ornithologist, and it resided in his home at Rousden Manor, Lyme Regis.
News & Insights
Natural History & Taxidermy Sale Results: 5th August
Early pieces by noted taxidermists also triggered competitive bidding, with an 1834 Cased Great Horned Owl by Rowland Ward Ltd selling for £1,500, and two Indian Jackals by Van Ingen & Van Ingen of Mysore, India selling for £1,400 each. The jackals were dated 1933 and 1934 and had both been taken by T.M.M. Penney of the Royal Engineers.
Modelled and taxidermy fish are also on the rise, with strong demand seen in recent sales. Notable lots included a finely made Carved Wooden Half-block Sea Trout dated 1905 and retailed by Charles Farlow & Co. Ltd. of London, which sold for £2,000. The carving was modelled after a 9lb fish caught on the River Shiel by George H. Bankes. Dating form 1935 were a Cased Common Roach (sold for £1,800), and a Cased Perch (sold for £1,700), both made by John Cooper & Sons of Hounslow, Middlesex during the era when the company was run by William (Bertie) Griggs, who is regarded as one of the master exponents of preserving fish.
The sale achieved a total hammer price of £117,560 for 286 lots and a 93% sold rate. Already consigned for the 11th November Natural History and Taxidermy Sale is a strong offering of period and modern taxidermy, including pieces by Rowland Ward. A preview of the sale is now available to view online.
