Antique Animal Horns
These antique animal horns bring the robust spirit of the Victorian and Edwardian natural history room straight into your interior.
Antique Animal Horns
Forms include buffalo and oryx horns, ram's horns, and an African Nile Buffalo trophy, alongside brass-mounted horn pairs and walking canes. Alongside actual horn structures, the category encompasses related curiosities and decorative objects created from bone and silver.
What varies in quality
Quality in these pieces rests upon the integrity of the natural material and the precision of the taxidermy or mounting work. Superior examples exhibit well-preserved horn surfaces and secure, period-correct metal mounts that complement the organic form without overwhelming it.
The distinction between standard decorative items and exceptional specimens often lies in the provenance and the skill of the original establishment, such as documented work from established London taxidermy firms. Condition of the underlying bone or skull, where present, and the stable attachment of horns to their original shields further separate the finer pieces.
Listings feature horn, wood, bone, silver, and brass, spanning the nineteenth century through the Edwardian period in various taxidermy and decorative forms.
Gerrard and Sons London·Edward Gerrard and Sons·GW Horlor
The Antique Animal Horns Glossary
- Taxidermy
- The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins or horns of animals for display. This practice formed a central part of Victorian natural history collections.
- Horn
- The hard, permanent pointed surface growth on the heads of various animals, composed chiefly of keratin. Craftsmen shaped and mounted this durable material for both decoration and utility.
- Spoon warmer
- A Victorian table accessory designed to keep serving spoons warm before use. These vessels were occasionally manufactured using natural animal horn or silver plate.
- Gadget cane
- A walking stick featuring a concealed mechanism or tool, such as a hidden corkscrew. These walking sticks often featured carved horn or bone handles.
- Naturalism
- An artistic and philosophical movement that emphasised accurate depiction of the natural world. This style heavily influenced Victorian interior decoration and trophy mounting.
Antique Animal Horns: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these horns come from?
The pieces available here date predominantly from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, specifically the Victorian and Edwardian eras. This period encompasses the height of British taxidermy and natural history collecting.
You will find items bearing the distinct aesthetic of the Highland hunting lodge and Victorian naturalism, reflecting the prevailing interior design tastes of those decades.
How were mounted horns displayed originally?
In the nineteenth century, mounted horns and trophy heads were hung prominently in libraries, hallways, and dedicated smoking rooms. They served as symbols of travel, sport, and scientific curiosity.
Pairs of horns were frequently mounted on carved wooden shields or brass brackets, designed to be easily secured to domestic walls.
Are these horns combined with other materials?
Yes, many examples incorporate additional materials alongside natural horn and bone. Common additions include brass mounts, silver plating, and wooden backing boards.
Walking sticks in this category often feature carved animal handles paired with wooden shafts and hidden metal mechanisms, such as corkscrews.
How do I care for antique horn items?
Antique horn requires a stable environment away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to prevent drying or cracking. Gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth is generally sufficient for maintenance.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or polishes on the organic material, particularly around vintage metal mounts and taxidermy elements.