Antler Head Mount
An antler head mount brings the rugged texture of the Highlands and traditional lodges directly onto the wall.
Antler Head Mount
An antler head mount comprises taxidermy specimens and carved trophies designed as wall sculptures and decor. Pieces range from full stags' heads to isolated antlers mounted upon shields.
The selections encountered here span from the nineteenth century through the Edwardian era into the nineteen-twenties and nineteen-thirties. Forms include Scottish Red Deer, white-tailed deer, roebuck, waterbuck, and painted folk art interpretations.
Originating in Highland hunting lodges and British country houses, these pieces reflect traditional sporting aesthetics. Buyers often find works associated with historic taxidermists such as Peter Spicer & Sons alongside vernacular folk art creations.
How they were made
Taxidermy mounts combine natural hide and real antlers affixed to wooden backings. Oak shields frequently serve as the foundational support for wall placement.
Folk art alternatives utilise carved wood instead of traditional taxidermy preparation. Paint is applied to wooden surfaces to render Swedish painted pieces.
Glass is utilised for eyes in traditional taxidermy specimens to achieve a lifelike appearance. Antlers and natural hide are mounted onto carved wooden shields using secure fixings.
Antler Head Mount Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for antler head mount among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials documented in the inventory include oak, natural hide, paint, and glass alongside real antlers.
What varies in quality
Quality separates by the scale and symmetry of the antler points, such as twelve-point royal sets compared to smaller formations. The taxidermist's skill in preserving the natural hide and facial structure defines the grade.
The complexity of the wooden shield influences the piece's standing, with carved oak showing superior craftsmanship over plain boards. Attributions to known practitioners elevate the work above unmarked specimens.
Peter Spicer & Sons
The Antler Head Mount Glossary
- Shield
- The carved wooden plaque that supports the mounted head or antlers for wall hanging. Oak is a common material for these backings.
- Taxidermy
- The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals with lifelike effect. Glass eyes are typically integrated into this process.
- Royal
- A designation given to a red deer stag antler set possessing twelve distinct points. Such configurations are prized among collectors.
- Folk art
- Utilitarian or decorative objects created by self-taught makers using traditional methods. In this category, carved wood and painted surfaces represent this tradition.
- Point
- An individual branch or tine on an antler. Counting these points determines the size classification of the trophy.
Antler Head Mount: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a heavy antler head mount?
These pieces require secure anchoring into wall studs using heavy-duty fixings due to the weight of the wood shield and antlers. Checking the wall structure prior to mounting ensures safety.
Professional installation is recommended for larger specimens such as red deer stags to distribute the load evenly.
How do I clean taxidermy mounted hair?
Maintenance involves gentle dusting with a soft brush to protect the natural hide and hair. Avoiding moisture prevents damage to the taxidermy materials.
Keeping mounts away from direct sunlight preserves the colour of the hide and wood over time.
How do folk art deer differ from taxidermy?
Folk art pieces are entirely hand-carved from wood and sometimes painted, rather than utilising actual animal hide and bone. These items offer a vernacular interpretation of the subject.
Such works reflect regional craft traditions distinct from formal nineteenth-century taxidermy practices.