Pelts/Hides: An Early 20th Century Duck Billed Platypus Patchwork Carriage Rug, the overall construction formed by forty five adult Platypus pelts, all stitched together to form a rectangular patchwork rug, mounted upon a brown baize backing material, dimensions of pelts 150cm by 117cm, overall including outer border 178cm by 142cm, by repute -"The carriage rug was purchased nearly 100 years ago by the current vendor and has remained in the family ever since.

 

It was part of the contents included in the sale of Woodcliffe House near Leeds, which became their family's principal home. This was a favourite location for many Victorian textile barons who built substantial mansions with their new found wealth - many are still to be seen in what is now a planning conservation area and a significant site of social history. The property was purchased from an elderly gentleman who was the long term owner. As such, the rug had almost certainly been at that property for many years before the time of the sale. Pre-war it was used by the rear seat passengers in the family car as there were no effective in car heaters at that time - even in Rolls Royce vehicles! Since that time it has been in long term storage rather than on display, hence the excellent condition. Some investigations were made several years ago with the British Museum, which suggested that it was one of only two or three such examples of which they were aware; with one being in their collection. This item has never been offered on the open market previously".