Thankfully, there has been a huge decline in hunting in recent decades.
As a result, Victorian and Edwardian taxidermy, representative of an earlier age, have become rare and in some instances, highly prized.
Changes in attitude towards hunting is the main reason why many people no longer have taxidermy on display. Our valuers often unearth interesting examples, hidden away in properties around the region and farther afield. However, Antique Taxidermy is now appealing to a new generation of collectors and interior designers, who are interested in acquiring it for its academic interest and visual appeal.
Many companies specialized in certain animals for example: two of the best known companies that supplied big game taxidermy at the turn of the century were Rowland Ward of London and Van Ingen & Van Ingen of Mysore. For fisherman, Cooper of London was one of the main taxidermists, often mounting their catches in naturalistic settings.
Some of the most popular taxidermy pieces from this era are cased birds, fish, foxes etc. Individual specimens are often found for as little as £30-£40, ranging to larger display cases, some of which we’ve sold for many thousands of pounds.
- We are aware that Taxidermy can be an emotive subject, therefore, we ensure that all auction entries our items are sold strictly in accordance with CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) regulations and that where necessary, licences are obtained from The Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Auction is always the best way to realize the true value of your possessions.
All of our taxidermy auctions offer live online bidding which, together with our extensive worldwide database of collectors and dealers, ensures that your items have every opportunity to obtain the best possible price. We act as your agent at all times and are here to maximize your return, for which we take a fixed percentage commission.
Fill out the online valuation form below for a free pre-sale estimate or ring 0191 430 3000 to arrange a valuation at our Newcastle salesroom. Home visits available for larger collections.
Taxidermy Auction Highlights
Display case of taxidermy exotic birds, sold for £2,200
Rowland Ward: a Bighorn Himalayan mountain goat; together with a sketch book containing pencil drawings of trophies, including present Bighorn; and two celluloid negatives of the huntsman taking the shot and the Sherpa standing with quarry. Sold for £620
An early 20th Century taxidermy miniature Terrier, sold for £550.
A 20th Century taxidermy Waxwing, sold for £580
A taxidermy alligator standing on it's hind legs, it's forelegs held in front to take visiting cards, sold for £450.
