Sale Preview: Science, Natural History & Curiosities Sale
15th March 2024
The Science, Natural History and Curiosities auction is to be held at Burstow & Hewett Auctioneers in Battle on Friday 15th March.
It takes place at their Granary Saleroom, opposite Battle train station. With over 500 meticulously curated lots ranging from the quirky to the macabre, the auction promises a captivating journey into the unusual.
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Antique Full Tiger Skin Rug
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Scientific Collection & Library of George West
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Collection of Palissy Majolica Pottery
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Collection of Fossils & Ammonites
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Collection of Skulls, Bones & Skeletons
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Collection of Rare Entomology Books Owned by George West
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Geological & Entomological Microscope Slides
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Two-Faced Head of Edward Mordrake Sculpture
Among the eclectic offerings are taxidermy specimens, including an early 20th century tiger skin rug, a shrunken head. human skeletons, a jar of human teeth, and even a life-size Japanese acupuncture mannequin, ensuring there is something to intrigue every collector and enthusiast.
One of the standout features of the auction is the Scientific Collection and Library of George West, a lecturer and assistant to the Professor of Botany at University College Dundee, dating back to approximately 1910. This remarkable collection includes rare entomology books, microscopes, and cabinets filled with geological microscope slides.
The sale also includes a stunning collection of ammonites and fossils, a life times work for a local gentleman, and the two-faced head of Edward Mordrake, a sculpture made by a local artist. Mordrake was a trouble soul whose, as legend would have it, second head fed him demonic thoughts throughout his life, which ultimately led to his death at the very young age of 23.
Take a look at some of weird but wonderful lots coming up for sale below!
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Lot 1
British Entomology Being Illustrations and Descriptions of the Genera of Insects found in Great Britain and Ireland
Estimate: £1,000-£1,500 -
Lot 371
Taxidermy - an antique Tiger skin rug
Estimate: £400-£600 -
Lot 127
Human Anatomy - An Antique anatomical human skull
Estimate: £300-£500 -
Lot 139
Curiosity / Taxidermy - a Tooth Fairy Skeleton in glass dome
Estimate: £180-£220 -
Lot 502
Novelty Erotic Penis Walking Stick Cane, circa 1938
Estimate: £300-£400 -
Lot 109
Taxidermy - an antique Greek Tortoise
Estimate: £100-£200 -
Lot 116
Human Anatomy - An Antique deconstructed human skull.
Estimate: £150-£250 -
Lot 22
A Victorian mahogany microscope slide collectors cabinet, with brass swing handle and glass door, 21 numbered drawers containing an extensive collecti. . .
Estimate: £2,000-£3000 -
Lot 216
Taxidermy - an Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) in glass dom
Estimate: £300-£400 -
Lot 329
Carving / Curiosity - A carved fossilised Mammoth tusk Netsuke of a horse
Estimate: £60-£80
Burstow & Hewett Auctioneers will host open viewings at The Granary Saleroom on Saturday 9th March from 9 am to 12 pm, as well as on Monday 11th March and Tuesday 12th March from 9 am to 5 pm. The catalogue, featuring detailed descriptions and images of each item, will be available on the auction house's website from Friday 1st March.
The auction itself will commence at 10am on Friday 15th March, offering both in-person attendance at The Granary Saleroom and live online bidding for those unable to attend in person. Interested bidders can participate remotely via the auction house's website, ensuring that enthusiasts from across the globe can partake in this exciting event.
