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The species is also important. Fish survive better than other mounted
animals and also seem to have less negative connotations currently with
regard to hunting. Unique or record-breaking catches are best, particularly
if the stats or prizes are inscribed on the mounting plaque. For mammals,
your everyday collector seems to prefer more common game, such as deer,
moose, foxes, or game birds, but there is still a market for exotic game if it
can pass through regulations, though these regulations in themselves make
several auction houses or stores reluctant to take exotic species on, which
may hurt collectors or those who inherit.
To stay on the right side of taxidermy laws, it is best to visit the US
Fish and Wildlife Service’s website. Some regulations to be aware of
include the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine
Mammal Protection Act, and CITES – the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. CITES is
particularly important because of the breadth of animals it covers but does
Anthropomorphic taxidermy is a niche with a very dedicated following, and make some exceptions for items
Walter Potter is one of the most recognized names for his pieces that are both taken from the wild before it was
whimsical and darkly humorous. Picture cute animals engaged in human enforced in the 1960s. Some
activities, like this example of kittens at a tea party. These pieces can command a species will require a license to
high price, and when the Walter Potter Museum auctioned off its collection in keep and sell under CITES, but as
2003, this piece sold at Bonhams for $22,992. Lot 498, September 2003, is the case with all taxidermy, it is
“The Kittens Tea and Croquet Party,” Walter Potter, photo: Bonhams Auction
best to consult federal and state
governing authorities before pur-
American Museum of Natural History in New York. Akeley was an chasing to make sure you have
innovator in the field, particularly when it came to his lifelike mounts. done your due diligence. Even if
Starting with a frame of bones, wire, mesh, and papier-mâché, Akeley you don’t plan to resell, those who
replicated the natural positions of his animals and left no detail behind or inherit from you may and if they
visible seams. His work had the realistic texture of muscles, veins, and are outside the law, it can turn into
wrinkles. He also cared deeply about presenting animals in representations an estate nightmare.
of their natural habitats and in scientifically-accurate movements and EstateSales.com is a good resource
social interactions. Akeley was a pioneer in the taxidermic field and helped and can connect you to federal
many museums create realistic natural history presentations. Later in his pages with lists of species that
career he also worked to preserve gorilla populations living in Africa, and apply under each regulation.
Virunga National Park—the first park in Africa—was established in 1925 Given the scope of these guide-
with his help. lines, it is understandable that
The 1930s saw the beginnings of a shift in attitudes towards taxidermy, Modern taxidermy is more than hunting several taxidermy collectors choose
as its popularity had led to overhunting. Several animal populations were - it’s also natural deaths and a new to stick with plentiful local species.
decimated: multiple exotic birds for their plumage and the buffalo in the generation of artists. In a 2019 article As trends circulate, taxidermy
American west are just two examples. To counteract the loss of a species, for BBC News, taxidermist Elle Kaye came around again a few years ago,
several animal protection regulations went into effect that changed the explains that “the word ‘taxidermy’ thus the spike in interest on auction
way that animals could be taken and changed the nature of taxidermy. By harbors some sort of ghost. I do two sites. Serious antiques aficionados
the 1970s, most large companies had closed their doors and were replaced exhibitions a year and I just try and are recognizing the artistry and
with niche shops and small resurgences. To adhere to federal, state, and educate people and change their skill behind a quality Victorian
international regulations, collectors should opinions … The work is really hard. I mount, as well as the beauty of the
wouldn't go through all of this—the
seek out antique pieces (over 50 years old), time, the effort, and exposing myself to cabinet making and presentation.
which we will get into in the next section. the chemicals—if I hated animals. It’s a The preppy hunting aesthetic is
real labor of love.” Kaye’s animals come quite popular as is its exotic style,
COLLECTING TIPS zookeepers and she hopes to preserve and decorators are also incorporat-
from pet owners, breeders, and
these animals for future generations. ing more taxidermy than they have
Examples of genuine antique taxidermy “I really want to inspire children to in years. In a 2013 article for the
in good condition are hot items and become biologists and vets.” Elle Kaye Chicago Tribune, author Rachel
auction sites report that taxidermy is one of photographed by Igor Emmerich, Poliquin (The Breathless Zoo:
the most-searched-for categories. So what photo: BBC News. Taxidermy and Cultures of Longing)
should you look for? Famous older names says “Part of the whole interest
include the renowned Victorian taxidermist right now has to do with the romance of the vintage that’s going on, the
Peter Spicer (also Peter Spicer & Sons – lord-of-the-manor aesthetic of bowties, tweed, hunter boots.” She suggests
look for quality cabinet making in diora- that vintage taxidermy is the “ultimate anti-modern object” because each
mas), Walter Potter of anthropomorphic piece is a work of art that is “unique, intensely sensual and incapable of
diorama fame, Henry and Rowland Ward, mass production.” In decor, vintage taxidermy evokes a hunting lodge and
James Gardner (brightly-painted back- wealth, or is a nice decorative juxtaposition with modern, clean lines, and
grounds), James Hutchinson, Thomas Vintage Italian Taxidermy speaks to adventure and uniqueness, or it can be ironic and kitschy,
Gunn, A.S. Hutchinson, Van Ingen & Van Falcon, ca. 1935, selling depending upon one’s tastes.
Ingen (specialized in big game), and John for $2,875, photo:1stdibs As a collector today, the bottom line is it pays to be informed. If you
Cooper & Sons (fish). are looking to invest, hold out for big-name makers and well-cared for,
As you get deeper into antique taxidermy and search out these big well-documented pieces. If you are interested in one piece to add to your
names, look out for forgeries or the re-casing of Victorian items. collection for decorative purposes, antique taxidermy can also be a good
Condition is also key. If not properly cared for, mounts are especially choice. Stay informed about the laws governing the trade of your particular
susceptible to shedding or insect damage and there is little market for type of animal and tread carefully, knowing that this particular collecting
moth-eaten taxidermy. Look for pieces that have been kept in a stable, item can be polarizing. Taxidermists of any period see their work as a labor
pest-free environment, out of direct sunlight, and cared for by their of love and respect the animals they work with. If we can approach this
owners with dusting and bushing as needed. Restoration may help, but is complicated field with the same frame of mind, then we should be headed
costly and unlikely to be worth it should you hope to resell a piece. in the right direction.

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