The subject is certainly unusual, and must have caused a stir in its day sitting on a side board in the dim light of a Victorian parlour. It has remained in remarkable condition, and today like it did all those years ago, has a certain sort of magic. I can only speculate to its past, but one thing is for sure, this meant a lot to someone, enough for it to be sent to Gardners no less, for what would have been quite a considerable sum.

Complete with its original glass dome and mahogany base, with Gardners small trade label to be found pasted amongst the ground work.

‘Preserved by J Gardner, Bird Preserver to the Queen of England and the Royal Family. By Appointment, 426 Oxford Street, London, and Various Museums’

The base 48cm wide. the height (including the dome and base) 43cm.

Ref: 26853