Audubon Wild Turkey Print Value Guide

The Wild Turkey is the iconic first plate of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America,' representing the pinnacle of 19th-century ornithological art. This specific mid-1800s example captures the grandeur of American wildlife through Audubon's revolutionary life-sized illustrative style.

What Is Audubon Wild Turkey Print Worth?

The typical price range for Audubon Wild Turkey Print is $750 - $825 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific edition type, such as the Royal Octavo or the Bien chromolithograph series.
• The physical condition of the paper, including the presence of foxing, fading, or water damage.
• The quality and age of the wood and glass frame, which adds to the historical presentation.
• The presence of original hand-coloring versus later mechanical reproduction methods.

How to Identify Audubon Wild Turkey Print?

• Check for the specific plate numbering, as the Wild Turkey was famously designated as Plate 1.
• Examine the paper for authentic 19th-century aging and texture consistent with the 1840-1870 era.
• Verify the lithographer or engraver credits typically found at the bottom margin of the print.
• Look for the distinct fine-line detail in the turkey's plumage characteristic of early mid-century printing techniques.

History of Audubon Wild Turkey Print

John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America' is a seminal work in ornithological art, published between 1827 and 1838. This monumental effort aimed to document all bird species in North America. The 'Wild Turkey' was notably the first plate in the original Havell Edition, symbolizing the grandeur of American wildlife. Over the centuries, various editions and reproductions have been made, each with its own historical significance. The original double elephant folio prints are extremely rare and valuable, while subsequent editions like the Bien or Octavo also hold considerable interest for collectors.