Bidspirit auction | Taxidermy Case containing Two Starlings

Taxidermy Case containing Two Starlings in Victorian-Style Gold-Painted Bow-Fronted - A modern taxidermy display in the Victorian style, featuring two full-body mounts of the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). The specimens exhibit characteristic iridescent purple and green plumage with white speckling and yellow beaks, with one bird perched on a naturalistic branch and the other positioned on the case floor amidst dried moss and grasses. The display is housed in a modern bow-fronted case constructed from composite board and finished in gold-coloured paint, featuring a hand-painted landscape background depicting a river scene with ruins under a sunset sky. A cast metal-effect decorative plaque is pinned to the interior upper left corner reading 'LAGOPUS SCOTICUS THIS BIRD HAS BEEN MOUNTED AND STUFFED FOR THE GREAT EXHIBITION 1851 by IVOR POAKE (Taxidermists) LTD 68a, THE STRAND LONDON'. The species name identifies a Red Grouse, which contradicts the present specimens, and the inclusion of 'LTD' (Limited) predates the 1855 Limited Liability Act, indicating the plaque and case are later decorative reproductions. No other maker marks or stamps are visible.