20th May, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST
The James Harrison Collection of Birds
204
Taxidermy: A Large Late Victorian Cased Great Bustard (Otis tarda), dated 1880, by J. Travis, Naturalist, Animal & Bird Preserver, Gold Street, Saffron Walden, a large full mount adult female, with head turning slightly to the left, stood upon painted faux rockwork, amidst a natural setting of tall grasses, set against a blue-yellow watercolour painted sky back drop, enclosed within a large typical period ebonised three-glass display case, raised upon four squat feet, 88cm by 36.5cm by 85.5cm, taxidermist's oval paper trade label to verso, data label to verso- Female Bustard, taken by Mr W. Jones, Manor Farm, West Wickham, Feb 6th 1880, stating purchased from George Bristow 1942, by James Harrison, a detailed account of this bird appears in Miller Christy The Birds of Essex, (1890), page 230, including a photo copy of the entry.
Sold for £1,300
Estimated at £800 - £1,200
Evidence of historical insect damage to the underbelly of the bird, some minor insect damage to the tail feathers, outer case in need of re-painting and restoration.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Auction: The James Harrison Collection of Birds, 20th May, 2022
The James Harrison Collection comprises over 200 lots of cased and freemount birds dating from the late Victorian era to the middle of the 20th century. The collection includes rare and unusual examples, such as a passenger pigeon and a kiwi, as well as mounts by the likes of Rowland Ward, James Gardner, Charles Kirk and George Bristow.
James Maurice Harrison (1892-1971) was an ornithologist and one of the last great bird collectors, who gathered large numbers of specimens to study moult patterns, distribution, geographical and colour variation within and between species. A GP by profession, Harrison filled his family home and Doctor's Surgery, Bowerwood House in Kent, with his extraordinary collection.
Viewing
Wednesday 18th May 10:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday 19th May 10:00am - 4:00pm, and the morning of the sale from 8am. Viewing is open to the public, there is no need to make an appointment.
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