Vintage Karl Kahmann Pheasant mount, seeking information...

[COhunter]

I rescued an old pheasant mount a few years ago, and have displayed it in my house.  On the bottom of the mount it has a label that states Karl Kahmann was the taxidermist.  I did a internet search on Mr. Kahmann and found out that he was a renowned taxidermist that did many mounts for museums.  Evidently he was born in 1886 and passed away in 1962.   I was wondering if anyone on here is familiar with him or his work.  Is there any way to determine if this piece is valuable?  Any information would be helpful.

[DougP]

Hi...Karl Kahmann worked for a time at the Field Museum Of natural History in Chicago. He spent much of his taxidermy career in Hayward WI. operating Noah's Ark taxidermy. Karl Mounted many "alleged" world record muskies. Those fish have recently been discredited by investigation and photogrammetry. That's a whole story in itself. Karl has a display tribue to him in the National Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward. Karl was a very prolific taxidermist doing all phases while in Hayward. IMHO his work was exceptional for the time.
  I don't think the mount you have would be considered "valuable" other than the value placed on it by whoever may want to own it.

I hope this gives you a little info you may not have. If you would like to discuss Karl further you can call me for a chat......

DougP