Global Sports: Evaluating Taxidermy Animals For Sale

Friday, November 15, 2013

Evaluating Taxidermy Animals For Sale

By Bonnie Contreras


Anyone thinking of buying one of the assortment of taxidermy animals for sale should use the resources of the internet to learn as much as possible about techniques and how to select high quality mounted specimens. 'Mounting' vertebrates, not 'stuffing' them, began as part of natural science but became an art form. Of course, 'art' can be magnificent or amateurish. Avoid sending money off for inferior products by proceeding cautiously.

Archaeologists have found preserved animals in the tombs of royal mummies, but they were embalmed. Taxidermists don't try to save the entire animal, and the process is entirely different. True taxidermy arose as explorers pushed into unknown lands, encountering exotic animals on land and in the sea. How-to guides to mounting specimens began to appear during the eighteenth century.

A taxidermist uses only the skin and bones of an animal, discarding the rest. First attempts to present a lifelike animal specimen were unsuccessful, but ornithologists discovered how to retain the effect of a living bird. During Victorian times, exhibitions of exotic creatures were popular, as were hybrids (combinations of body parts from different specimens) and freaks created by those with less scientific motives. The sentimental Victorians began to 'save' dearly departed pets, while sportsmen and explorers brought back trophy heads for their walls.

Improved techniques and materials helped early twentieth-century taxidermists bring this craft to an art form. Their method of stretching a skin over a padded wire form is used today, as well as more modern polyurethane shapes. Truly realistic specimens of snarling cougars, rampaging elephants, and birds of prey can be seen at natural history museums and roadside exhibits. Glass eyes and replicas of fragile body parts help make the illusion convincing.

Fish are often assumed to be the real thing when displayed on a wall, However, the skin of a fish is very fragile, so what you see is often a precise replica done in resin or fiberglass. The spectacular catch itself was probably released or served up for dinner.

One thing to learn by surfing the web is that there are substandard examples of taxidermy. Skill and vision make the difference, as in any other art form. It's important to actually see the mounted animal, if possible. If this isn't feasible, consumers need to check out sources carefully by examining photographs (which can be deceiving), asking questions, and reading customer reviews. Areas which most often reveal flaws include the ears and nose.

Visiting photo galleries online is fun and can help choose the perfect piece for home or business. For example, predators are often depicted at bay or at the moment of attack, but poses of them at rest or play are enchanting and just as typical of animals in the wild.

The popularity of man caves opens up new venues for finding taxidermy animals for sale. A majestic black bear or vivid red fox can welcome guests with more impact than the usual beer sign. Fantastic creatures like the western Jackalope or the famous mermaid (actually a monkey and fish combo) show the range of possibilities.




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