Sadly, like most other hobbies and interests, the taxidermy fraternity also suffers from fakes, frauds and untruths. As a non-profit making society, the BHTS promotes good practice whilst those that perpetrate deception normally do so for personal gain.
These issues are of great concern to the majority of those who have a genuine
passion for the subject.

Thankfully most taxidermists, dealers and individuals conduct their business in a fair law abiding and ethical manner; after all it’s in no one’s best interest to do otherwise. However, there are a few individuals that conduct themselves in such a manner that leads to various issues from fake and fraudulent cases to misinformation being thrust into the public domain. Particularly with websites playing such a huge part these days.
We have listened to legitimate collectors, taxidermists and dealers and have established what concerns them most. Here we aim to highlight various issues and bring them
to the attention of all.

We are happy to highlight on this page any issues of concern regarding taxidermy specimens or misleading information, providing it is accompanied with the
appropriate and correct facts.

We welcome clarification or comments on any of the specific issues raised on this page.
We do not intend to compromise the Society’s integrity, but to adhere to clear concise substantiated facts so that we may clarify each situation in a fair and honest manner.

Fake and fraudulent taxidermy
Some of the common concerns are:

Taxidermist’s labels have been added intentionally to unlabelled cases to
deceive and add value.

Replication of cases to “pass off” as original, this is a particular problem
with cases of fish although not an exclusive one.

Moth-damaged or infested cases being restored (fine in itself) but then
being sold as original.

Specimens being replaced added to or removed from cases which
are then sold on as original.

All the above bring the subject into disrepute. Genuine collectors, dealers and taxidermists find it most unwelcome and unnecessary. We hope we can work together to eradicate these problems and enhance the enjoyment of the subject.

Examples of fake or fraudulent taxidermy

The specimens / cases listed below are, we believe, either fake or tampered with and could be passed off as original. The BHTS have it on good authority this could be the case, but of course if you know otherwise let us know and we will be
happy to amend accordingly.

We urge the taxidermy fraternity to exercise caution in regard to the following cases

Spicer Reeves pheasant

We have been contacted by the current owner of the Peter Spicer Reeves pheasant case that was displayed on this page. We believed that it was possible that the bird in this case had been replaced. In the light of the information provided by the owner with regard
to establishing the authenticity of the case, the Society now believes it to be genuine.
We apologise for any confusion caused and have now removed this case from this page.

Salmon (John Cooper & Sons?)

We believe this case is a fake, our Cooper experts have highlighted many irregularities that indicate this to be a very poor copy.

Sparrowhawk (H.Murray & Son ??)

This overstuffed Sparrowhawk has been purported to be by H. Murray & Son
we believe this to be a poor attempt at such.
The plywood back has Murray's name poorly rubber stamped on the back.

SEE OUR PUBLICATIONS PAGE FOR OUR BOOK ON H. MURRAY & SON

HOW NOT TO DO IT !!!!

Unfortunately there are many examples of badly executed taxidermy, many of which give the subject a bad name. We have all seen the "Boggley Eyed Barn Owl" that frequently appears in auction houses or online auctions.
Bad taxidermy is not exclusive to the past practitioners who had no experience of the subject matter. Equally we find there are many examples of modern practitioners producing specimens that are just as bad.

Here we have some examples of very poor taxidermy where the practitioner clearly did not understand the subject matter.

PLEASE see our Peter Spicer or Taxidermy Today pages for fine examples of the taxidermist's art.

"Oh Poor Basil"

"Strutting" English Partridge in Indian Runner Duck pose