20th May, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST
The James Harrison Collection of Birds
86
Taxidermy: A Pair of European Crested Tits (Lophophanes cristatus), dated 1938, by Ernst Flükiger, Interlaken, Switzerland, a pair of full mount adults, the male perched upon a small branch overlooking the female tending her nest hidden within a small hollowed out tree trunk, the exterior covered with simulated and natural moss, overall height 32cm, with attached taxidermist's handwritten paper trade / data labels, 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 £280
Estimated at £120 - £180
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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