Taxidermy is the art of mounting or reproducing animals for display or study and in the past the word has been associated with large gloomy Victorian houses filled with stuffed animals.

However in recent years, taxidermy has emerged from the shadows as a collecting area in its own right and in the United Kingdom there are now dealers who deal only in taxidermy. In Victorian times, taxidermists performed a valuable service, bringing wildlife into homes and allowing the inhabitants to see real birds and mammals at close quarters. They could also create trophies to provide mementoes of a good day's fishing or hunting.

The value of taxidermy specimens is enhanced by the presence of an original label detailing when and where the specimen was obtained and by a trade label of the taxidermist, the most sought after being Rowland Ward of London.

In assessing a taxidermied specimen, the potential more...

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A silver mounted polar bear skull with gaping jaws and three…

Silver Mounted Polar Bear Skull with Removable Beakers

A silver mounted polar bear skull with gaping jaws and three removable silver beakers, 25 cm high, 31 cm long, The skull was part of the Archive of Gordon Burt, OBE (Christie's Australia, 28 November 1996, Lot 472). Gordon Burt was the Engineer on the…

Book, John Gale 'Trout fishing on the Goodradigbee' 1904. A.M.…

Goodradigbee Trout Fishing - John Gale (1904)

Book, John Gale 'Trout fishing on the Goodradigbee' 1904. A.M. Fallick Observer Printery Queanbeyan NSW. Complete, very rare with only a few copies printed for private circulation, 18 cm

A monumental sawfish bill, 146 cm high (including marble plinth)

Monumental Sawfish Bill Sculpture

A monumental sawfish bill, 146 cm high (including marble plinth)

A pair of marlin bills, mounted by Tony White in sterling…

Sterling Silver Marlin Bill Mounts with Jacaranda Patterns

A pair of marlin bills, mounted by Tony White in sterling silver with jacaranda seed pod patterns, with travertine plinths 54 cm high including plinths (2)

Pair of sawfish rostrum, mounted on stand (2). Height 149 cm,…

Mounted sawfish rostrum pair on stand

Pair of sawfish rostrum, mounted on stand (2). Height 149 cm, and 116 cm

A silver mounted polar bear skull with gaping jaws and three…

Silver Polar Bear Skull with Removable Beakers

A silver mounted polar bear skull with gaping jaws and three removable silver beakers. 25 cm high, 31 cm long. The skull was part of the Archive of Gordon Burt, OBE (Christie's Australia, 28 November 1996, Lot 472). Gordon Burt was the Engineer on the…

Antique large taxidermy saw fish bill, 1.5m, ex. Cooktown Museum

Antique 1.5m Sawfish Bill from Cooktown Museum

Antique large taxidermy saw fish bill, 1.5m, ex. Cooktown Museum

Roberts Collection of Sharks Jaws (1) - 1930's thirteen sets of…

1930's Maroubra Shark Jaws Collection

Roberts Collection of Sharks Jaws (1) - 1930's thirteen sets of Sharks jars and teeth, all caught in the 1930's off Maroubra. Most have details written on side, detailing type of shark, date of capture, place of capture and time taken to catch.

A silver mounted marlin bill, by Tony White, 72 cm high…

Silver Marlin Bill Sculpture by Tony White

A silver mounted marlin bill, by Tony White, 72 cm high (including stone plinth)

Antique taxidermy saw fish bill, 72 cm

Antique Sawfish Bill Taxidermy - 72cm

Antique taxidermy saw fish bill, 72 cm

A sawfish bill, mid 20th century, 132 cm

Mid 20th Century Sawfish Bill - 132cm

A sawfish bill, mid 20th century, 132 cm

A large taxidermy model of a blue marlin, 82 cm high, 130 cm…

Life-sized Blue Marlin Taxidermy Model

A large taxidermy model of a blue marlin, 82 cm high, 130 cm long

A glass cased taxidermy prize freshwater pike, English, circa…

Antique Taxidermy Pike in Glass Case

A glass cased taxidermy prize freshwater pike, English, circa 1900 Piccadilly, London taxidermy label verso the case 41 cm high, 101 cm wide, 18 cm deep

Sawfish Rostrum, sawfish, also known as carpenter sharks, are a…

Sawfish Rostrum, sawfish, also known as carpenter sharks, are a family of rays characterized by a long, narrow, flattened rostrum, or nose extension, lined with sharp transverse teeth. This example 110 cm

An impressive swordfish rostrum (bill), 19th century, 138 cm…

19th Century Swordfish Rostrum - 138cm Long

An impressive swordfish rostrum (bill), 19th century, 138 cm long

Sawfish bill on stand

Sawfish Bill Displayed on Stand

Sawfish bill on stand

Three sawfish bills, early to mid 20th century, largest 97 cm

Mid-20th Century Sawfish Bills - Set of Three

Three sawfish bills, early to mid 20th century, largest 97 cm

A mid 20th century swordfish rostrum, on custom mount.…

Mid 20th Century Swordfish Rostrum on Custom Mount

A mid 20th century swordfish rostrum, on custom mount. Provenance: Ex. Private Museum, Queensland, length 115.5 cm, width 30 cm

Two swordfish bills, in fitted stands, together with a single…

Swordfish Bills Trio on Display

Two swordfish bills, in fitted stands, together with a single sword fish bill (3). Height 75 cm 76 cm in stand, height 90 cm in stand

Huia feather, the huia's feathers were valued highly and…

Valuable Huia Feather: Symbol of Friendship and Trade

Huia feather, the huia's feathers were valued highly and exchanged for other valuable goods such as greenstone and shark teeth, or given as tokens of friendship and respect. Through this trade, the feathers reached the far north and the far south of New…

Sawfish bill on stand

Sawfish Bill Displayed on Stand

Sawfish bill on stand

An antique fish diorama in glass case, 19th century, 59 cm high,…

19th Century Fish Diorama in Glass Case

An antique fish diorama in glass case, 19th century, 59 cm high, 67 cm wide, 16 cm deep

A set of three Swordfish bills, mounted vertically on black…

Vertical Swordfish Bill Trio on Black Stands

A set of three Swordfish bills, mounted vertically on black stands. Longest 86 cm

An old large sawfish bill, the 72 teeth naturally projecting…

Ancient Sawfish Bill with 72 Teeth

An old large sawfish bill, the 72 teeth naturally projecting from each side, tapered form, three teeth with damage. Length 115 cm. Note: the sawfish also known as carpenter sharks are of a family of rays characterised by their long narrow flattened…

An old large sawfish bill, the 72 teeth naturally projecting…

Ancient Sawfish Bill with 72 Teeth

An old large sawfish bill, the 72 teeth naturally projecting from each side, tapered form, three teeth with damage. Length 115 cm. Note: the sawfish also known as carpenter sharks are of a family of rays characterised by their long, narrow, flattened…

Carved cribbage board, finely carved walrus tooth with salmon,…

Alaskan Cribbage Board with Arctic Wildlife Carvings

Carved cribbage board, finely carved walrus tooth with salmon, seals, polar bears, and small boat. Drilled holes for pegs. Creamy yellowish patina. Alaska. Length 43 cm. Width 5 cm

Sawfish bill, c. 1900, on black metal stand, height 104 cm…

Antique Sawfish Bill on Stand

Sawfish bill, c. 1900, on black metal stand, height 104 cm (including. Stand). Provenance: Private Collection, Tasmania

A silver mounted sawbill, by Tony White, 33 cm high

Silver Sawbill Sculpture by Tony White

A silver mounted sawbill, by Tony White, 33 cm high

Victorian taxidermy Bass fish in glass fronted display case…

Victorian Bass in Gold Display Case

Victorian taxidermy Bass fish in glass fronted display case with gold leaf lettering

Antique record sawfish bill specimen, circa 1950, 1.5m tall

1950 Sawfish Bill Specimen: Antique Record, 1.5m Tall

Antique record sawfish bill specimen, circa 1950, 1.5m tall

Antique taxidermy saw fish bill, 70 cm

Antique Sawfish Bill Taxidermy - 70cm

Antique taxidermy saw fish bill, 70 cm

Large sword fish rostrum on mounted stand

Mounted Swordfish Rostrum Display

Large sword fish rostrum on mounted stand

Roberts collection of Sharks jaws (2) - 1930's twelve sets of…

Maroubra's 1930's Shark Jaws Collection

Roberts collection of Sharks jaws (2) - 1930's twelve sets of Sharks jars and teeth, all caught in the 1930's off Maroubra. Most have details written on side, detailing type of shark, date of capture, place of capture and time taken to catch.

A 19th century Maori Mako (shark tooth ear pendant). Root end…

Maori Shark Tooth Ear Pendant

A 19th century Maori Mako (shark tooth ear pendant). Root end covered with red sealing wax and circular suspension hole. Length 4 cm.

A marlin bill, mounted by Tony White in sterling silver with…

Sterling Silver Marlin Bill with Bivalve Decoration

A marlin bill, mounted by Tony White in sterling silver with bivalve decoration, stamped 'White Stg Sil', with travertine plinth 45 cm high including plinth

A sawfish bill mounted on wooden plinth. Bill: 65 cm

Sawfish Bill on Plinth - 65cm

A sawfish bill mounted on wooden plinth. Bill: 65 cm

A taxidermy English pike, cased in glass, circa 1890.

Glass-encased English pike taxidermy from 1890

A taxidermy English pike, cased in glass, circa 1890.

Rare antique giant sawfish bill 1.4m (from 20ft fish)

1.4m Giant Sawfish Bill: Rare Antique Find

Rare antique giant sawfish bill 1.4m (from 20ft fish)

Victorian taxidermy Pike fish in glass fronted display case

Victorian Pike Fish Taxidermy Display Case

Victorian taxidermy Pike fish in glass fronted display case

Megolodon (giant shark) tooth. St Helena sound, south Carolina,…

Megalodon Tooth from South Carolina

Megolodon (giant shark) tooth. St Helena sound, south Carolina, USA. Length 15 cm. Collection Dr John Raven, Perth.

Pair of marlin beaks, in fitted stands (2). Height 52 cm, 54 cm…

Marlin Beaks in Fitted Stands: A Stunning Display

Pair of marlin beaks, in fitted stands (2). Height 52 cm, 54 cm in stand

A vintage sawfish Rostrum. Pristidae family species. Length 140…

Vintage Sawfish Rostrum - 140cm Length

A vintage sawfish Rostrum. Pristidae family species. Length 140 cm

An impressive fossilized fish specimen, 89 cm long

An impressive fossilized fish specimen, 89 cm long

Three Australian Indigenous art works on bark including: two…

Indigenous Bark Art from Pilbara Region, Western Australia

Three Australian Indigenous art works on bark including: two fish design, (length 85 cm approx); turtle and fish, (height 97 cm approx); and large Catfish, (length 112 cm approx). Note: items were acquired during early 1980s in the Pilbara region of…

Antique large taxidermy male saw fish bill, 1.03m

Large Male Sawfish Bill Taxidermy

Antique large taxidermy male saw fish bill, 1.03m

A sawfish bill, mid 20th century, 77 cm high

Mid-Century Sawfish Bill Sculpture - 77 cm High

A sawfish bill, mid 20th century, 77 cm high

Antique sawfish bill, 1.3m length

1.3m Antique Sawfish Bill

Antique sawfish bill, 1.3m length

Sawfish Rostrum, mounted on stand, height on stand 52 cm

Mounted Sawfish Rostrum - 52cm Height

Sawfish Rostrum, mounted on stand, height on stand 52 cm

Rainbow trout taxidermy display in wall mount case with…

Rainbow Trout Taxidermy Display

Rainbow trout taxidermy display in wall mount case with hand-written card captioned 'Rainbow trout (Salmo Iridius), weight 7lbs. Sex female, Grassed by Mr Staples. Eildon Weir on large fly. Taxidermy by A.C. Slamen, 622 Collins St.', 42 cm high, 90 cm…

A Miocene period Megalodon shark tooth, the blue / grey enamel…

Intact Megalodon Tooth: 8.5 cm from South Carolina River

A Miocene period Megalodon shark tooth, the blue / grey enamel is intact with good sharp serrations both sides. Root bourrelet is thick and intact. South Carolina river USA, length 8.5 cm

Taxidermy vintage salmon, mounted on a wooden plaque

Vintage Salmon Taxidermy on Wooden Plaque

Taxidermy vintage salmon, mounted on a wooden plaque

Prehistoric megalodon shark tooth, 6.5 inch

Giant 6.5 inch megalodon shark tooth

Prehistoric megalodon shark tooth, 6.5 inch

Mako (shark tooth ear pendant), 4 cm length. Y number pending

Mako Shark Tooth Pendant

Mako (shark tooth ear pendant), 4 cm length. Y number pending

Mako (shark tooth ear pendant), this mako has red sealing wax…

Mako Shark Tooth Ear Pendant with Red Wax Base

Mako (shark tooth ear pendant), this mako has red sealing wax at the base. Worn as an adornment from the ear, mako were highly valued and cherished items. 4 cm length. Y number pending

A swordfish rostrum (bill), 19th/20th century, 98 cm long

19th/20th Century Swordfish Rostrum

A swordfish rostrum (bill), 19th/20th century, 98 cm long

Two Micronesian fighting swords. In good condition, one with…

Micronesian Fighting Swords with Shark Teeth and Bones

Two Micronesian fighting swords. In good condition, one with sharks teeth and the other with shark bones. Approx. lengths 84.5 cm, 72 cm

A Dresden floral porcelain encrusted figural centrepiece, 19th…

Dresden Porcelain Figural Centrepiece, 19th Century

A Dresden floral porcelain encrusted figural centrepiece, 19th century, 49.5 cm high. Provenance: The collection of Sir Leon and lady trout, Christies, Brisbane, 6 June 1989, lot 483, Private collection, Queensland

Fossilised 45 cm marine skull

45 cm Fossil Marine Skull

Fossilised 45 cm marine skull

Three marine ivory whales teeth, Purchased Albany c.1960-1970's.…

Marine Ivory Whale Teeth Collection

Three marine ivory whales teeth, Purchased Albany c.1960-1970's. Lengths 13.5 cm-15 cm, total weight 733grams

Three Swordfish rostrums on metal stands (3)

Swordfish Rostrums Trio on Metal Stands

Three Swordfish rostrums on metal stands (3)

Fossilised 85 cm marine skull

Giant Marine Skull Fossil Discovered - 85cm Long

Fossilised 85 cm marine skull

Taxidermy antique school of eight piranhas

Antique Piranha Taxidermy School

Taxidermy antique school of eight piranhas

Taxidermy vintage trout, mounted on a wooden plaque

Vintage Trout Taxidermy on Wooden Plaque

Taxidermy vintage trout, mounted on a wooden plaque

Large sword fish rostrum, 134 cm length

Massive 134cm Swordfish Rostrum

Large sword fish rostrum, 134 cm length

Large sawfish bill or rostrum of large proportions consisting…

Massive Sawfish Rostrum with 36 Teeth

Large sawfish bill or rostrum of large proportions consisting of a large beak and 36 teeth, length 110 cm

A large taxidermy multiple insect framed display, the 70+…

70+ Insect Taxidermy Display in Pine Frame

A large taxidermy multiple insect framed display, the 70+ mainly insects including stag horn and other beetles, long horn beetles, stick insects, grasshoppers, crab, etc. In pine glazed display frame. 48 x 62.5 cm.

Small ivory tusk (marine ivory?), some cracking

Cracked marine ivory tusk

Small ivory tusk (marine ivory?), some cracking

Two swordfish rostrum on metal stands, each approx 96 cm high

Pair of 96cm Swordfish Rostrum on Metal Stands

Two swordfish rostrum on metal stands, each approx 96 cm high

Early cased English taxidermy fish, circa 1900s

1900s English Taxidermy Fish in Display Case

Early cased English taxidermy fish, circa 1900s

Ten coral beaded necklaces includes, angel skin, red, salmon…

Assorted Coral Beaded Necklaces - 10 Pieces

Ten coral beaded necklaces includes, angel skin, red, salmon colours. Mostly in branch coral beading approx lengths 42 cm - 76 cm

Antique sawfish bill rostrum mounted on base, 1m long

Mounted Sawfish Bill, 1m Long

Antique sawfish bill rostrum mounted on base, 1m long

A Megalodon shark tooth early Miocene to Pliocene era, 23 to 2.…

Megalodon Shark Tooth: 23-2.5 Million Years Old

A Megalodon shark tooth early Miocene to Pliocene era, 23 to 2.5 million years old. Pale grey enamel with minor root damage. Good serrations with minor chips, length 107 width 7 cm

Sawfish Rostrum 69.5 cm length

Long Sawfish Rostrum: 69.5 cm

Sawfish Rostrum 69.5 cm length

Sawfish bill (rostrum) mounted in shadowbox frame, mid 20th…

Mid-century Sawfish Bill Shadowbox Frame

Sawfish bill (rostrum) mounted in shadowbox frame, mid 20th century, 40 cm long, 160 x 22 cm overall

A large sawfish bill (rostrum), [Pristis] outlined with 29…

29-toothed Pristis sawfish bill, 68.5 cm long

A large sawfish bill (rostrum), [Pristis] outlined with 29 transverse teeth. Length 68.5 cm.

Two quality pairs of vintage shark jaws, wired together for…

Vintage Shark Jaws Display Pair

Two quality pairs of vintage shark jaws, wired together for display. Widths 23 cm and 33 cm

A large Miocene period Megalodon shark tooth, pale grey enamel…

Megalodon Shark Tooth: Impressive Fossil from South Carolina River

A large Miocene period Megalodon shark tooth, pale grey enamel mostly intact with good sharp serrations both sides. Tip intact. Minor enamel loss to burrelet line and centre. South Carolina river USA, length 10.9 cm

Silver articulated sword fish

Articulated Silver Swordfish Sculpture

Silver articulated sword fish

Mounted taxidermy salmon caught by John Crowder on the Rakaia…

31lb 4oz Rakaia River Salmon Taxidermy

Mounted taxidermy salmon caught by John Crowder on the Rakaia river, canterbury, 21st March 1984, weighing 31lb 4oz

A handknotted Sirjan rug of three central medals on a salmon…

Sirjan Salmon Medallion Rug - 228x173cm

A handknotted Sirjan rug of three central medals on a salmon ground. Length 228 cm. Width 173 cm

Cased brown trout weight, 18lb

18lb Brown Trout Caught and Cased

Cased brown trout weight, 18lb

A taxidermied Horshoe crab, length 60 cm

60cm Horseshoe Crab Taxidermy Display

A taxidermied Horshoe crab, length 60 cm

Rainbow trout mounted trophy, 68 cm length

68cm Rainbow Trout Trophy

Rainbow trout mounted trophy, 68 cm length

Two quality pairs of vintage shark jaws, wired together for…

Vintage Shark Jaws Display Set

Two quality pairs of vintage shark jaws, wired together for display. Width 23 cm and 33 cm

Framed taxidermy trout specimen on wooden shield

Mounted Trout on Wooden Shield

Framed taxidermy trout specimen on wooden shield

Two swordfish rostrum on metal stands (2)

Swordfish Rostrum Duo on Metal Stands

Two swordfish rostrum on metal stands (2)

A decorative salmon bowl modelled of a mermaid. Height 24 cm

Mermaid Salmon Bowl

A decorative salmon bowl modelled of a mermaid. Height 24 cm

Early sawfish bill, length 85 cm

85 cm Sawfish Bill: A Rare Find

Early sawfish bill, length 85 cm

A 19th century Maori Mako (shark tooth ear pendant).…

Maori Shark Tooth Ear Pendant

A 19th century Maori Mako (shark tooth ear pendant). Discoloured sealing wax to root end. Circular suspension hole. Length 3 cm

Two marine ivory sperm whale teeth. Lengths 9.8 cm & 11 cm

Pair of Sperm Whale Ivory Teeth - 9.8cm & 11cm

Two marine ivory sperm whale teeth. Lengths 9.8 cm & 11 cm

Colcough cups and saucers and side sets, in pink, lemon, salmon,…

Colorful Colcough Cup and Saucer Sets (20 Pieces)

Colcough cups and saucers and side sets, in pink, lemon, salmon, mauve, green and blue (20sets)

A Megalodon shark tooth early Miocene to Pliocene era, 23 to 2.…

Megalodon Shark Tooth: 23-2.5 Million Years Old

A Megalodon shark tooth early Miocene to Pliocene era, 23 to 2.5 million years old. Enamel mostly intact with part root missing. Good serrations with minor damage, length 11 cm, width 2 cm

A Murray Cod head mount on trophy shield

Murray Cod Trophy Head on Shield

A Murray Cod head mount on trophy shield

South American piranha taxidermy specimen, 25 cm

South American Piranha Taxidermy, 25cm

South American piranha taxidermy specimen, 25 cm

Three sawfish bills (rostrums), [Anoxypristis] outlined with…

Anoxypristis Sawfish Bills with Triangular Teeth

Three sawfish bills (rostrums), [Anoxypristis] outlined with triangular teeth. Longest L.62 cm

A vintage sawfish bill with leather handle

Leather-Handled Sawfish Bill: Vintage Treasure

A vintage sawfish bill with leather handle