BABY OSTRICH TAXIDERMY

This amazing baby ostrich belongs to an East Hampton antique dealer whose name I promised not to reveal because he is a top secret source of my friends. They took me to his house to see his beautiful and totally unique personal collection. Of all his objects I was completely captivated by this strange little creature. 

DEYROLLE PARIS

 Deyrolle at 46 rue du Bac in Saint Germain is considered by many a Parisian treasure.

 Though best known for its taxidermy collection today  it was founded in 1831 and also specialized in natural history publications, fossils, minerals, botanical specimens, shells and  microscopes. It was the age of the  amateur naturalist and a place where one could purchase (and still can) all manner of curiosities.

Along with photographs I've included some examples of early specimen labels which I find equally interesting.