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Selling taxidermy
15 May 2010, 11:57
ConewagoSelling taxidermy
I am thinking about selling a number of my mounts of African and North American game. I searched this forum on the topic and found recommendations like posting on various boards and using ebay.
I don't know how to set fair prices for them. Some are representative heads, while others rank well up in SCI record book. Most are shoulder mounts, a few European or full body mounts.
I am thinking about using one of the services that advertise in SCI publications. Does anyone have suggestions of who to use or who to stay away from? How about things to make sure I do, or things to watch out for? One concern is shipping the mounts to a seller, and what happens once they leave my control. Suggestions are much appreciated.
Conewago
16 May 2010, 06:27
Idaho SharpshooterI would check with Cabela's first. As they open or remodel stores, they purchase good specimens, especially African.
Rich
DRSS
16 May 2010, 09:37
buffybrCheck the Jonas taxidermy website. I was looking there the other day, and they have a section with mounts for sale. It has pictures and prices, which might give you an idea of their market values.
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16 May 2010, 21:11
HughiamLolli brothers is probably the most well known. However understand that auctions for taxidermy sell for much less than their actual value. African gameheads are the worst. You can expect less that 50% of what you paid for the mount on most occasions.
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17 May 2010, 20:28
Oryxhunter1983Hello,
Let me toss my 2 cents, you will get considerably less than 50%, often it is pennies on the dollar values. Old Taxidermy has little to no value, except to the hunter.
The only time this is not the case is for rare- or endangered, extinct animals. Ex: if you have a black panther or snow leopard, panda, you could make some money! Otherwise, expect to be very dissapointed.
It's really sad, because some of the greatest collections get busted up and sold off. Truely, if I ever become fortunate to really build a serious collection, endowing it with a museum is the only way to keep it going after the hunter is gone.
18 May 2010, 02:06
calgarychef1Sometimes you even have to build the museum to house the trophies!
18 May 2010, 03:54
ConewagoI appreciate your comments. I'm moving to smaller quarters where there won't be room for my mounts. Sadly, funding a museum is also not an option.
Talking to the auctioneer, it sounds like I might net a couple thousand from 16 pieces after paying a grand in freight to him.
What are other options for finding new homes for these mounts?
Conewago
18 May 2010, 04:49
Aspen Hill AdventuresIs the move permanent? If not, see about loaning them out to nearby friends to 'host' in their homes for awhile.
~Ann
18 May 2010, 20:17
Oryxhunter1983Depeding on where you live, wildlife museums, universities... however let me warn you. I work at a university, and we had a huge collection get donated here many years ago, before my time, and then they decided they wanted that room for something else and they auctioned them off, so make sure they you have the details worked out. But a local museum might be my best place, maybe they could write up a little blog about you and display them together!
All this really makes you start to question amassing and spending tons on taxidermy.
I worked in a Nat'l Hist Museum while in college long ago.
Your typical Africa plains game and buff mounts have little value and will likely be turned down.
when I worked (30+ years ago) we had a very old collection come in, complete with passenger pigeon and black panther skin and other rare items.
The pigeon was flatten out and put in a drawer. The panther was rolled up and put in the cold room with piles of other furs. Neither probably saw the light of day again.
Pretty sad
19 May 2010, 15:12
ConewagoThese are good insights. Ann, I may try your suggestion to have friends adopt a mount or two.
Conewago
I have wall space, I'll help!
19 May 2010, 21:18
L. David KeithBe absolutely sure each trophy is disinfected or moth proofed if you expect to recover them later. Otherwise they may wind up as dust. You can buy a product called Pro-tex from most Taxidermists.
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20 May 2010, 07:51
calgarychef1What about a local fish and game club or something similar? I know the local office of AHEIA has had tons of nice trophies donated. Some can give you a tax receipt for donations too.