Taxidermy Great Horned Owl Value Guide

This vintage Great Horned Owl taxidermy specimen represents a classic era of American natural history preservation from 1940 to 1960. Prized for their striking yellow glass eyes and iconic feather tufts, these full-mount Bubo virginianus displays are increasingly rare due to strict modern federal protections.

What Is Taxidermy Great Horned Owl Worth?

The typical price range for Taxidermy Great Horned Owl is $450 - $495 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall condition of the plumage, specifically the absence of feather loss or pest damage to the skin.
• The quality of the mount's pose and the realism of the facial expression and 'horn' placement.
• Legal provenance and age documentation, which is critical for the lawful sale of migratory bird species.
• The aesthetic appeal and preservation of the original wood base and mounting hardware.

How to Identify Taxidermy Great Horned Owl?

• Verify the presence of distinctive feather tufts or 'horns' characteristic of the Bubo virginianus species.
• Examine the internal wire armature and wood base construction consistent with mid-century American taxidermy techniques.
• Check for authentic period-correct glass eyes that provide the owl's signature intense yellow gaze.
• Look for documentation or provenance confirming the specimen predates modern Migratory Bird Treaty Act restrictions.

History of Taxidermy Great Horned Owl

Taxidermy reached its peak popularity during the Victorian era as a way for naturalists and the public to study wildlife up close. Great Horned Owls have long been prized by collectors for their striking yellow eyes and distinctive feather tufts, which resemble horns. In modern times, the trade of these items is strictly regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making antique specimens with legal provenance highly sought after by collectors of natural history and curiosities.