Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

CEYLON INTEREST: A PAIR OF ELEPHANT FEET HUNTING TROPHIES CONVERTED INTO TRAVELLING DECANTER STANDS WITH ELECTROPLATED MOUNTS

CIRCA 1901

Details

CEYLON INTEREST: A PAIR OF ELEPHANT FEET HUNTING TROPHIES CONVERTED INTO TRAVELLING DECANTER STANDS WITH ELECTROPLATED MOUNTS
CIRCA 1901
One with three cut-glass decanter bottles, the other with two decanters and a covered rectangular cigarette compartment with tooth handle, the hinged mounts unlock for access to the decanters, the front of one applied with ivory plaque inscribed TAMANKADUWA DISTRICT CEYLON.1901
17¼ in. (43.9 cm.) high (2)

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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Lot Essay

Hunter and author Harry Storey details his hunting expeditions in his 1907 book Hunting and Shooting in Ceylon, "I have met elephants in other parts of Ceylon and seen their tracks, but none compare for a moment with the Tamankaduwa wila breed" (Storey, Hunting and Shooting in Ceylon, Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1907, p. 110). The present lot is an example of the most prized part of one hunter's kill. Storey recalls, "Of trophies to be secured from our elephants, the feet rank first...They will make fine footstools, liquor stands, or if cut long in the leg, umbrella stands" (p. 109).

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