20th May, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST
The James Harrison Collection of Birds
177
Taxidermy: A Trio of Alpine Choughs (Pyrrhocorax graculus), circa 1930, by Ernst Flükiger, Interlaken, Switzerland, a trio of full mount adults, a male and two females, all mounted upon a textured and painted faux rock scape, overall height 75cm, signed to rock base "E. Flükiger, Naturalist, Interlaken", Ernst Flükiger supplied James Harrison with many cabinet skins and mounted specimens of European birds, they were neatly prepared and his skills were acknowledged in Harrison's Bird Taxidermy (1964 - and later edition) by both editions being dedicated to him as - "My old friend Ernst Flükiger of Interlaken, Switzerland, a Past Master of the Art".
Sold for £320
Estimated at £200 - £300
The bird at the top of the rock has the right wing heavily insect damaged, the crown of the head also with insect damage (loose feathers), the other two birds appear to have no insect damage or feather loss.
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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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