Description
Caribou Mount Freeze Dried Velvet Double Shovel 40.5 Inside Spread
Used – like new
I have had this Caribou mount for about 25 years, this Caribou was taken by me on the far North East side of Hudson Bay in Quebec. It is in very good shape except for a wear mark on the left shovel, not sure if it was there in the beginning or was caused by transit. The price is in the mid range of the AI appraisal below. The first two images are AI process images of the later images. ased on a detailed analysis of the provided information and current market data for similar items, the estimated value of your 25-year-old caribou mount is approximately **$1,200 to $2,200**. For a more precise valuation, a formal appraisal from a certified taxidermy appraiser would be necessary. However, this estimate is based on the unique combination of positive and negative factors you’ve described. ### Valuation Breakdown The value of a taxidermy mount is determined by several key factors. Here is a breakdown of how your specific caribou mount measures up: #### Positive Value Factors * **Double Shovel:** This is the most significant feature driving the mount’s value. A caribou with a shovel (the forward-facing, flattened tine) on both antlers is highly desirable and much less common than a single shovel or no shovel. This trait alone can double the value compared to a standard mount of similar size. * **Velvet Antlers:** Antlers preserved in their natural velvet are also a premium feature. The freeze-drying method is a high-quality preservation technique that helps maintain the velvet’s texture and appearance. Mounts with hardened, polished antlers are far more common. * **Size:** An outside spread of 39 ½ inches is a very respectable and impressive size for a caribou, making it a desirable trophy. #### Negative Value Factors * **Age (25 years):** While some items gain value with age, taxidermy is often the opposite. A 25-year-old mount carries the risk of age-related issues such as dust accumulation, subtle fading of the hair, and potential brittleness of the hide and ears. Taxidermy techniques have also advanced, and newer mounts can appear more lifelike. * **Wear Mark on Antler:** The 4-inch wear mark on the velvet of the left antler is the primary point of damage. Abrasions or missing patches of velvet are significant cosmetic flaws that will detract from the value, as collectors prize pristine, undamaged velvet. This is the most significant detractor from its potential top-end value. * **Overall Condition:** While described as “good overall,” any signs of aging, such as minor seam separation, cracking around the eyes or nose, or slight hair slippage, would place the mount in the lower end of the estimated range. ### Market Comparison * A standard caribou shoulder mount of this size and age, but without the double shovel or velvet, would typically be valued in the $700 – $1,300 range. * A new, high-quality mount with double shovels and pristine velvet antlers from a reputable taxidermist could command a price of $3,000 – $5,000 or more. Your mount sits in a unique middle ground. The rare and desirable features (double shovel, velvet) elevate its value significantly above a standard piece, but its age and the specific damage to the antler prevent it from reaching the price of a modern, pristine equivalent.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.