Python Skin to mount/frame?

[Chris]

I have an 8ft python skin passed onto me from my father. The skin has been rolled up and in a bag for over 50 years. I want to preserve it and possibly mount and frame it. The skin appears to be in pretty good condition given its age. Is there anything I could have done to the skin before I mount it? If I mount it, any rec's on what materials are most commonly used? Thanks,

Chris

cdenton29@yahoo.com 

[Kerby Ross]

You could always sew it on felt (double color) just like an animal rug. Or you can use decorative tacks on a nice piece of wood.

Kerby...

[Kerby Ross]

Not sure if the python skin was treated. Is it soft and pliable?

Here are some skins from 15 years ago that I did. Blacktail Rattlesnake and a Sonoran Gopher Snake.

Kerby...

[Chris]

Don't think the skin was treated- it's not soft and pliable. It flakes only a bit here and there, and I want to make sure if I mount it that I preserve it first, if possible. Though, if it's so old that there's no chance of doing that, I can just mount it to wood as suggested. So, is there anything to do to preserve or treat the skin at this point in time?

[Kerby Ross]

Since it has survived all these years as is....you could just tack it onto a board.

Rehydrating it and then using a snake tan might destroy it.....not knowing how it was originally treated. Taking a chance this way.

Kerby...