Bidspirit auction | Two Common Starling Taxidermy Specimens

Two Common Starling Taxidermy Specimens in Victorian-Style Bow-Fronted Case - Two Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) taxidermy specimens presented within a Victorian-style bow-fronted wooden display case, probable modern reproduction. The birds are mounted in a naturalistic arrangement; one is perched upon a gnarled wooden branch, while the other is positioned on a mossy ground amongst dried foliage. Both specimens exhibit characteristic iridescent dark plumage with white speckling and yellow-toned bills. The interior features a hand-painted landscape background depicting a sunset over architectural ruins and mountains. A patinated metal plaque is mounted to the interior backboard, featuring a raised decorative border of oak leaves and acorns. The plaque is embossed with the literal text: LAGOPUS SCOTICUS / THIS BIRD HAS BEEN MOUNTED / AND STUFFED FOR THE GREAT / EXHIBITION 1851 / by / IVOR POAKE (Taxidermists) LTD / 68a THE STRAND LONDON. The plaque identifies the specimens as Lagopus scoticus (Red Grouse), which contradicts the actual species present. No other maker marks or signatures are visible.