Kendall House Antiques Ltd. has dated this Antique Taxidermy Buffalo Head to the 1900s.
Gerrards of London: A long-standing taxidermy firm of note founded in 1850. Gerrard & Sons finally closed in 1967 however a hire company ‘Gerrard Hire ltd’ (which had been previously set up) continued much longer, finally closing its doors in 1992, making this one of the longest standing of all the Victorian taxidermy firms.
The taxidermy workshops later featuring in Alfred Hitchcocks 1956 film ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’. Famous mounts include the greyhound ‘Mick the Miller ‘which is still on display in the Natural History Museum at Tring.
The hire company is also well known for supplying the taxidermy in the 1970’s sit com ‘Steptoe & Son’ which featured much taxidermy. I believe this trophy has at some point in its life been hired out by Gerrards, as there were four holes drilled directly through the front of shield (now repaired) which is often the practice with film sets, as health and safety would not dream of using its original suspension loop! What film sitcom or series it featured in is currently unknown. Additionally screwed to the shield (now removed, and in an envelope for safe keeping) was a small brass plaque referring to ‘Phileas Fogg’, but we have been unable to find any reference so far.
Approximate measurements:
Total height top of horns to bottom of shield 95cm
Width of horns 75cm
From back of shield to tip of the nose 65cm
Shield height 56cm x width 37cm
Kendall House Antiques Ltd. has dated this Antique Taxidermy Buffalo Head to the 1900s.
Kendall house antiques a traditional shop in the north cotswold’s market town of chipping campden.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Kendall House Antiques Ltd. Profile Page
Victorian Taxidermy – African ‘Nile Buffalo’ Trophy by Gerrard & Sons London. Circa 1900
