I had a client give me an old dry tanned deer cape. Its hair and mane was stunning for the species. (sambar)
Anyhow, after rehydrating with relax r it became apparent that the cape wasnt a mountable one.
The tanned skin had a wierd 'woody-ness' texture about it and red coloration in patches on the flesh side. It also had hardly any stretch at all - just in places.
The flesh side also had the appearence - kind of like large orange peel patterning.
Trying to split the eye lids and nostrils(that had not been done at all if any) was a nightmare and the skin just kind of 'chalked' off.
I thought "I might be able mount it but its going to be a second rate, skinny looking mount and not do me any favors either".
Anyhow - what a horrible feeling it is to say to someone "this cape is not acceptable you will need a replacement cape".
I cant help but think "oh, if i just give it a bit more".
I had to share this with someone!
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It sounds like you did yourself AND your client a favor by turning it down. You wouldn't have been satisfied and neither, probably would have he/she.
trust me it won't be the last time you'll have to say these words either. Welcome to taxidermy with all its problems.