Oryx - Need Ideas

18 April 2010, 05:24

John B Taxidermy

Unfortunately, a flat-headed rug from any horned or antlered specimen will have unsightly holes in the top of the head skin where the horns or antlers grow from the skull, not to mention fairly noticeable seams where the skinning cuts were made to remove the head skin from around those horns or antlers. On a mount, these are much less noticeable due to the process of mounting the head. So ... like the song goes: "You can't always get what you want ...". A floor mounted pedestal would be your best bet!

John.

18 April 2010, 08:56

reba

A floor mounted pedestal sounds interesting.

Is there any pictures that shows some examples?

18 April 2010, 13:43

jwm

I came across an interesting picture (which I am now, of course, unable to find!) of an oryx mount similar to a Euro mount, but with the facial skin intact on the top of the skull. Picture an oryx trying to hide underwater, with only the front of his face from nose to just back of the horns showing above the surface, and the horns themselves more or less parallel to the surface. This is a poor description but it`s the best I can do.

The mount was very attractive and distinctive, taking up no more wall space than a true Euro mount. I am waiting for my own oryx to arrive from Africa, and I hope that my taxidermist can recreate this look.

While taking full advantage of the striking facial pattern, it also leaves the entire skin for use as a flat rug or throw, lacking only the actual top of the head skin.

18 April 2010, 16:55

Bob in TX

Here is my pedestal mount.

Bob

18 April 2010, 20:37

Jerry Huffaker

18 April 2010, 20:56

Grafton

18 April 2010, 22:20

reba

One thing I don't lack is wall space.

JWM if you come arrcoss the picture please post it.

Thank you.

20 April 2010, 20:31

John B Taxidermy

quote:
Originally posted by jwm:
I came across an interesting picture (which I am now, of course, unable to find!) of an oryx mount similar to a Euro mount, but with the facial skin intact on the top of the skull. Picture an oryx trying to hide underwater, with only the front of his face from nose to just back of the horns showing above the surface, and the horns themselves more or less parallel to the surface. This is a poor description but it`s the best I can do.

The mount was very attractive and distinctive, taking up no more wall space than a true Euro mount. I am waiting for my own oryx to arrive from Africa, and I hope that my taxidermist can recreate this look.

While taking full advantage of the striking facial pattern, it also leaves the entire skin for use as a flat rug or throw, lacking only the actual top of the head skin.

What is being referred to here was not a mount per say, but more of an original sculpture item. From at least back in the 1930's, Jonas Brothers, Colorado made "The Jonas Plaque" ... an original sculpture made to hold horns of badly damaged horns or antlers, in species specific shapes ... very "Art Deco" and popular for its time!

More recently, Jonas Brothers in New York has recreated them for todays market, and calls them "Trophy Art".
As seen, they are available in natural coloration ...

... and in a bronze patina.

The old heads were either plaster or Hydrocal casts, or foundry bronze ... I'm not sure, and I can only assume they are now made in a polymer plastic of some kind. If bronze is offered it is most likely very expensive.

At any rate, I think this may be what you're referring to.

John.

21 April 2010, 01:41

Oryxhunter1983

I know my opinion doesn't mean much, but I think those plastic jonss brother heads are aweful. I've seen them in person and have been less impressed. I can't imagine anyone who is serious about a trophy room or taxidermy even considering using something like this.

21 April 2010, 02:18

reba

Now I'm thinking about a "Neck Mount" and saving the rest for a rug.

Opinions?

21 April 2010, 02:38

Grafton

quote:
Now I'm thinking about a "Neck Mount" and saving the rest for a rug.

Sounds like you should have shot two.

Then you could have done one rug and one mount.

Neck mounts do not look very nice in my opinion.

How about doing a full rug with a mounted head? you could hang the entire rug on the wall (tail up, head down) It would be unique that is for sure. Just don't put it on the floor or someone will get a horn through the leg or worse!

Oryxhunter 1983 I agree with you on those plastic heads although you have to hand it to Jonas Bros for thinking outside the box. How about a pre fab carousel with all the major African plainsgame? You can just bolt all your horns to it and around you go!

21 April 2010, 02:57

buffybr

quote:
I think those plastic jonas brother heads are aweful.

+1000

22 April 2010, 03:58

reba

Grafton,

The full rug with a mounted head is something I thought about. At the top of the stairway to the second level of our home is a halfwall 36 inches high and 60 inches long (this is in a clearstory with one wall more than 30 high)

Maybe the mounted head could face the stairway with the full rug draped over the 36 inch high wall.

24 April 2010, 04:04

L. David Keith

I had my Bontebok made into a rug with the head mounted. It turned out excellent. However, a set of Oryx horns sticking out 34-40 inches might not look so good.
LDK

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24 April 2010, 04:43

Equinsu Ocha

David
post that bontebok.. I'd like to see it for no other reason than to see what it came out looking like..

Those plastic heads by Jonas are just hidious. I could not imagine ever hanging one of those in my house.

24 April 2010, 05:16

reba

David,

I'd also like to see a picture of the Bontebok made into a rug with the head mounted.

Thank you.

24 April 2010, 18:12

jwm

John B.

Yes, those Jonas mounts are close to the one to which I was referring, but I don't think that it was one of those. The Jonas mounts incorporate the ears and eyes of the critter. The mount I saw did not. I'm also thinking that it was actual tanned skin, but can't be certain about that.

John

04 May 2010, 11:46

Mike Smith

Let me know what you need I am sure I have a couple in the salt somewhere around here.

17 May 2010, 09:46

loud-n-boomer

Maybe a little late, but here is another idea. I can up with the idea, because I liked the way Gemsbuck look, and my taxidermist pulled it off for me.

19 May 2010, 21:21

L. David Keith

Guys, due to the recent flood, I am not able to process and post pics currently. Maybe in the future when I rebuild.
David