Alligator Appraisal

Taxidermied Alligator with Fur 'Beard' and Foot Charm

This unique and somewhat macabre item appears to be a preserved or taxidermied juvenile alligator or caiman, presented as an unusual decorative piece. The primary material is the dried and preserved skin and body of the reptile, displaying a mottled brown and tan coloring with visible scales and the characteristic texture of reptile hide. The overall size is moderate, likely between 12 to 18 inches in length, given its slender appearance. The alligator is depicted with its mouth open, and a curious addition of what appears to be a large, fluffy, grey-white fur pom-pom or tuft of hair is affixed to its snout, possibly resembling a beard or mustache. This fur element is attached via a dark, possibly metallic, chain or cord that wraps around the snout. Extending from this attachment, a longer, thin dark metal chain leads to a small, off-white charm or pendant shaped like a human foot or boot, with a dark cap at its top, suggesting it might be made of ceramic, plaster, or carved bone/ivory. The craftsmanship of the taxidermy appears to be rustic or folk art in style, with some visible seams or drying effects on the skin, contributing to a historical or aged aesthetic. There is an evident patina from age, and the texture of the alligator's skin shows natural wrinkles and folds. No distinct maker's marks or signatures are visible. The item possesses a strong curio or oddity appeal, common in natural history collections or 'cabinets of curiosities' from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. The inclusion of the 'beard' and 'foot' charm adds a whimsical, almost anthropomorphic, and idiosyncratic quality, making it a conversation piece rather than a scientific specimen.