Animal Mount Appraisal

Mounted Deer Antlers on Skull Cap with Plaque

This item is a set of natural deer antlers, likely from a Whitetail Deer given the branching structure, mounted on a partial skull cap. The antlers exhibit a substantial size and complex branching, indicating a mature buck. The coloration varies from a creamy off-white on the smoother, thicker sections of the tines to a darker, brownish-grey around the burrs and bases, featuring textured, burred surfaces. Several tines are significantly long and sharp-pointed, with irregular surfaces and some natural pitting and grooves. The skull cap is bleached bone-white, appearing clean and well-preserved. It is attached to a dark, possibly black or very dark brown, wooden plaque that is cut into a decorative, shield-like or spade-like shape. The mounting technique appears to be a European mount style, where only the skull cap with antlers is preserved and affixed to a plaque, rather than a full taxidermy head mount. There are visible yellow straps or ties around the skull cap and antler bases, which may be part of the mounting hardware or perhaps an attachment for a tag or label, although no specific text on them is discernible. A white paper tag is partially visible near the left antler (viewer's left), suggesting it might be an identification tag from a hunt or taxidermist. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant cracking, breaks, or repair on the antlers themselves. The natural patina and coloration suggest an item of some age, though precise dating without further information is difficult. This style of mount is common for hunting trophies and can be considered a decorative hunting artifact. The craftsmanship involves careful preparation of the skull and secure mounting to the plaque.