20th Apr, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST

Natural History & Taxidermy

 
Lot 261
 

261

Taxidermy: A Large Cased Diorama of Birds of Paradise Native to New Guinea, circa 1880-1900, attributed to Rowland Ward, " The Jungle", 166 Piccadilly, London, a superb large diorama of various Birds of Paradise, to include - Blue Bird of Paradise, a pair of Brown Sicklebills, Superb Bird of Paradise, Raggianas Bird of Paradise, Common Paradise Kingfisher, King Bird of Paradise, a pair of Stephanie's Astrapia Birds of Paradise, Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Western Parotia, Magnificent Riflebird, Trumpet Manucode, all perched upon an array of branches, amidst tall dry grasses and fauna, the green felt covered groundwork strewn with dry broken branches and brush, enclosed within a large five-glass table display case, 91cm by 45cm by 121cm

Sold for £18,000
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000


 

front and top glass lacking - broken many years previously, Blue Bird of paradise lacking both tail wires, some plumage loss to left side of head, Magnificent Bird of paradise has damaged beak, tail wires lacking, King Bird of paradise right foot missing, majority of display collar damaged, Stephanie's Astrapia Birds of Paradise both long tail feathers re-pinned together, - damage to case occurred when firemen were attending an attic fire to properties attic area, the large hose pipe hit the case and caused the ensuing damage within, no fire damage to the specimens within.

 


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: Natural History & Taxidermy, 20th Apr, 2022

To include a collection of Indian and European Game Trophies from Kilberry Castle, Argyll. Many of the trophies date from the second half of the 19th century, with rare and historical specimens including Asian Water Buffalos, Astor Markhors, Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards and Himalayan Tahr.

Entries are now invited for the next Natural History & Taxidermy Sale on 2 September 2022

Viewing

Tuesday 19 April 10am-5pm and morning of sale from 8am. Viewing is open to the public, there is no need to make an appointment.

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