2nd Sep, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST

Natural History & Taxidermy

 
  Lot 24
 

24

Natural History: A Replica Smilodon Skull (Smilodon populator), a replica skull of Smilodon cat, width 22cm, height 39cm, a more commonly known as the saber-toothed cat, is member of the Felidae family that went extinct around 10,000 years ago, towards the end of the last ice age. Although, frequently called a "tiger" Smilodon is not actually closely related to modern day tigers, or any modern day cat really. Smilodon fatalis grew up to 5-7 feet long and 3.5 feet high at the shoulder, weighing ~350-600 lbs. Originally, it was thought that the saber teeth were used to grapple and hold on to the prey, however they are not strong enough to do this and would result in a lot of broken teeth. It is now hypothesized that the saber teeth were used to deliver a mortal stab wound while the animal then waited for its prey to die. This skull is moulded from an original saber-toothed cat skull found at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles California, where more than 2,000 Smilodon individuals have been excavated.

Sold for £400
Estimated at £80 - £120


 

Auction: Natural History & Taxidermy, 2nd Sep, 2022

Over 360 lots of Natural History and Taxidermy, including a superb recreation of a Dodo by Carl Church, a Giant Clam Shell from the early 20th Century, fine collectors cabinets and rare pieces such as a taxidermy Ocean Sun Fish and a Pair of Oilbirds by Rowland Ward.

 

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Thursday 1 September 10am-5pm and morning of sale from 8am

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