Animal Trophies: Antique Taxidermy & Hunting Collectibles
What Are Animal Trophy Collectibles?
Animal trophies encompass mounted heads, full-body taxidermy mounts, antler displays, horns, tusks, rugs, and related hunting memorabilia. This collecting category spans centuries, from 18th-century European hunting lodge displays to early 20th-century African safari trophies and contemporary sporting mounts. The market is driven by interior design demand, natural history interest, and sporting heritage.
Victorian and Edwardian-era taxidermy (1850-1920) is particularly prized, with notable taxidermists like Rowland Ward of London, Van Ingen & Van Ingen of Mysore, India, and American firms like Jonas Brothers and William T. Hornaday producing museum-quality work that remains sought after today.
Identifying Quality Taxidermy
Signs of Quality and Age
- Glass eyes should be appropriate to the species and period; early examples used hand-blown glass eyes
- Mounting style - Victorian mounts often used ornate wooden shields and backboards
- Taxidermist labels - Rowland Ward, Van Ingen, and other notable firms attached labels or brass plates
- Anatomical accuracy - Quality mounts show natural positioning and proportions
- Condition of fur, feathers, or scales indicates quality of original preparation
Legal Considerations
- CITES regulations govern the sale and transport of specimens from endangered species
- The Migratory Bird Treaty Act restricts trade in many bird species
- Ivory ban laws affect trophies with ivory components
- State and local laws vary significantly; always verify legality before buying or selling
- Pre-ban documentation is essential for legally tradeable specimens of restricted species
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Type | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Deer/elk shoulder mount | $75-$400 | $1,500+ |
| Antler set (mounted) | $50-$300 | $2,000+ (record class) |
| African game shoulder mount | $200-$1,500 | $5,000+ |
| Full-body bird mount (legal species) | $100-$500 | $2,000+ |
| Rowland Ward mount | $500-$5,000 | $20,000+ |
| Victorian cased bird display | $200-$1,000 | $5,000+ |
| Bear rug | $200-$800 | $3,000+ |
| Full-body small mammal | $75-$300 | $1,000+ |
Rowland Ward pieces carry the strongest brand premium in taxidermy collecting. Victorian cased displays with multiple specimens and naturalistic settings are increasingly sought after as decorative objects.
Condition Factors That Affect Value
- Insect damage (moth, beetle) is the most common problem; check fur and feathers carefully
- Fading from light exposure diminishes mounted specimens over time
- Cracking or shrinkage of skin and leather components
- Lost whiskers, ears, or other delicate features reduce value significantly
- Odor from improper preservation is a serious defect
- Professional restoration can recover value if done by a skilled taxidermist
Collecting Tips
Entry Points
Domestic game mounts (deer, elk, game birds) are widely available at $75-$400. Antler displays and small mounted specimens offer affordable starting points.
Building a Collection
- Natural history focus - Building a curated collection of scientifically interesting specimens
- Decorative approach - Victorian cased displays and ornate mounts as interior design elements
- Sporting heritage - Trophies from specific regions or time periods
- Single species - Collecting antler mounts showing variation within deer, elk, or moose
Critical Cautions
- Always verify legal status before purchasing; CITES documentation is essential for international species
- Provenance documentation (photographs, hunt records, taxidermist receipts) adds value and legal protection
- Store away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity extremes
- Inspect regularly for insect infestation; mothballs or cedar blocks help prevent damage
- The market for certain species fluctuates with changes in import/export regulations