Hi, I have been asked to try to fix a standing Polar bear mount (along with some antelopes, etc.)that had been donated to the college I attend. I am certified in taxidermy but I'm not sure what the best course of action would be with repairing the arms on this bear. It seems to be very old, but the leather looks tanned. I'm not sure if arsnic was also used or not. The arms are both broken, their is a lot of extra skin around the armpit area where one break is located; The other break is is on the mid-forearm. It was put together with hemp covered with a layer mache'covering it. I looked in the archives and didn't see any real clear-cut solutions. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob
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I would not try and resoak the hide or cut the hide at all if its a old solid material mannikin, or an old direct sculpture taxidermy mount. I would hammer drive straightened and sharpened heavy steel wire up thru the arm just to strenghen it the best you can. Repair the cracks with sculpt-all or all-game. Clean the mount and repaint the face and call it good. Then put a do not touch sign on it. Good luck, it sounds a major low pay project.
Jim, I believe this bear is made of hemp or excelser. The leather is very soft and easy to rip. This project is worse than a low pay project, it's a NO PAY project. I'm restoring this mount and several others as a "special project" and will be getting reimbursed for my time and energy with 2 credits toward a BT degree in Wildlife Management. It's worth the headache for me because I will inevitably gain some knowlege from this project, which could be valuable as I hone my taxidermy skills (which are minimal! Ha Ha). Thanks again! Bob