A taxidermy anatomical study of a horse skull with extremely good provenance.
A beautiful & early study with a phenomenal patina brought on by years of handling & the colour of the bone mellowed to absolute perfection over the years. Original hand written Latin ink labels are present across the surface of the bone & are even found on the teeth themselves and the underside of the skull.
Recently removed from Francis Cupiss Ltd in the small market town of Diss, Norfolk, this skull has been in the family for over a century & by repute belonged to the horse owned by Francis Cupiss himself (1798 - 1888). He use the skull as both an anatomical study for reference & also a decorative curio within his veterinary practice.
A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons from January 1794 to December 1851, Francis Cupiss became a member of the London College on May I Ith, 1822. Later, he ran a small chemist shop within Diss but his real passion was for his own horse 'remedies' including constitution powder, tonic powder, diuretic powder and the famous Cupiss Constitution & Grease Balls.
He continued carry out his veterinary practice caring for the welfare of all types of animals within a fifteen mile radius of Diss while supplying his powders and balls to fellow veterinarians throughout the country and abroad.
A fascinating piece of history & a total one-off.
c1850
Wear commensurate with age, completely untouched original condition. Wear & tear as pictured, front teeth missing from upper & lower jaw.
UK ourier service available at £15 tracked & signed.
