A pair of fossilised 'Irish elk' antlers, Prehistoric

with fourteen points, mounted on wooden back plate and with modern display stand, restorations

A very impressive and rare specimen in restored condition. Having been excavated in different parts the antlers have been mounted on a wooden back board with metal supports. There are restored breaks which have been done to turn the different elements back into one full set of antlers. The tips of each point have been secured with a structural foam to hold them together. One point to the left has notable fractures and losses which may benefit form attention according to taste. A grey wash has been applied to the antlers to prevent any further cracking. Both antlers have been re-attached to the skull - which has also undergone some conservation with the use of structural foam and some metal attachments to the interior.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'Irish Elk' or Giant Deer (Megaloceras Giganteus) originated during the Pleistocene Period of the Great Ice Age and is thought to have initially colonised Siberia before migrating towards the west in response to the deteriorating climate, becoming extinct approximately 11,000 years ago. Although the Elk inhabited a vast expanse of central Europe and Asia, the largest concentration of its remains have been found mainly in the marl underlying bogland of Ireland giving rise to the popular nomenclature of this species. The high calcium carbonate content of the marl is conducive to the perservation of bones and examples of these ancient antler specimens have been discovered in Counties Wayerford, Clare and Cork, many of them in caves. Many have featured in Irish banqueting halls following a centuries old tradition, particularly during the 19th century when it was fashionable for such antiquarian relics to be displayed in baronial halls. An instance of this is recorded in an 1850`s interior drawing of the new manor at Adare, Co. Limerick (see J. Cornforth, English Interiors, 1790-1848, London,1978, fig.51).

A related pair of elk antlers from Westport House, Ireland, sold Sotheby's London, Important English Furniture, 6 June 2006, lot 359 (£42,000).