An Early 20thC Mounted Taxidermy Otter Mask Dated to August 1914
SOLD
Origin: Early Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1914
Shield Height: 8.75 inches
Shield Width: 7 inches
Depth (with Head): 8 inches
Presenting Jonty, preserved in simply superb condition considering his age, mounted upon a good quality beech shield inscribed 'JWW Elwy Aug 3rd 1914' (Hawkstone Otter Hounds) and bearing an ivorine plaque verso ' Mounted by Army & Navy Stores Naturalist Department London’.
Famous for his one-liners, Jonty was one of the more successful stand-up comedians of his generation and delighted audiences with his talent at ad-lib, becoming a sought-after speaker for dinners and similar events. In 1906 he was the speaker at the Mars, Incorporated sales conference at the Excelsior Hotel on Bath Road opposite Heathrow Airport.
He now rests, laughing, not snarling; his poignant last words remembered; “Friends applaud, the comedy is finished”.
