Superb Victorian taxidermy case of tropical birds by James Hutchings of Aberystwyth. A stunningly rare case with lesser Bird of Paradise in the centre, with Baltimore oriole, scarlet tanager, black-backed oriole and blue tacnis.
Case is all original and unrestored. A fine split between the backboards has allowed some dust and insect ingress, and some UV fading. These skins were probably from the voyages of Charles Darwin or Alfred Russel Wallace who were both actively searching for these birds in this time period 1880-1890, and both of whom had devised, independently the theory of evolution.
I can’t imagine that Hutchings would have had the opportunity to mount many, if any, others. Amazing provenance, that demands further research and a unique opportunity for the Hutchings collector.
L: 82cm H: 84cm
Collection preferred, delivery possible, courier by arrangement
Shipping Band: Z
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