Rowland Ward: A massive Cape Buffalo head
exhibited at the 1937 Berlin Exhibition
109cm by 71cm
| Condition: |
Good antique condition. One small split to skin - see photo. |
| Estimate: |
£800 - £1,200
|
|
Hammer price:
|
£1,100 |
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.
The following 12 lots (lots 216-227) come from the collection of Lieutenant-Colonel Walter
Hall (1891-1980) – soldier, Member of Parliament and a fanatical hunter of big
game. After his death the specimens featured became the property of the
celebrated gun company Holland and Holland and were kept at their country
shooting centre near Ruislip.
Two of the pieces are of particular interest. The enormous Cape Buffalo
(Syncerus caffer) head is of such spectacular proportions that it was chosen to
be shown at the important exhibition of big game trophies held in Berlin during
1937 under the auspices of the Nazi party. Apparently, Hitler himself attended.
The Rhino head is also of considerable significance. The vast majority of
antique rhino heads are Black Rhinos (Diceros bicornis) but this specimen is of
a White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) a species that was only preserved on
comparatively rare occasions.
Click here to see curator Errol Fuller discuss this lot
Taxidermy
Read more
