We carefully select taxidermy and natural history objects to maintain high-quality, authenticity, and legal compliance. We only accept objects valued at €75 or more, and in good condition, with correct documentation where required. Our experts assess each submission to ensure it meets collector expectations and legal requirements.

Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of a successful sale.

What we accept

We’re looking for authentic, well-crafted taxidermy and natural history pieces that appeal to serious collectors. To be accepted, your object must:

• Be vintage, antique or recent preparations, including full-body mounts, shoulder mounts, skulls, and skeletons
• Be professionally mounted or preserved, in good condition with realistic appearance
• Be legally sourced, compliant with CITES and/or EU Birds Directive:
  • For birds under the EU Birds Directive: Species must be born and bred in captivity (e.g. proven by a closed foot ring) or derived from licensed hunting or wildlife control, with supporting documentation
  • For CITES-protected species: with supporting documentation confirming legal compliance
• Meet the minimum expected value of €75
   (You can combine objects in one submission to meet this threshold)

What increases your chances of approval:

• A realistic and lifelike pose, reflecting natural behaviour
• Professional craftsmanship with clean finish and sturdy construction
• CITES Article 10 certificates (where required)
• Detailed provenance and clear documentation
• Strong, clear photography from all angles

Minimum criteria by type

To ensure quality and collectability, we apply additional criteria for specific taxidermy and natural history object types.

We only accept the following formats, sizes, and groupings:

• Roe deer (roebuck):

  • Antlers (groups only): minimum 50 pieces per lot
  • Mounted trophies (skull cap mounts): minimum 10 pieces per lot
  • Head mounts: accepted individually

• Sea snail shells:

  • Large shells (>15 cm): accepted individually
  • Medium shells (10–15 cm): accepted in groups of 5 or more

• Mammal skulls & skeletons:

  • Mammal skulls <10 cm: accepted in groups of 5 or more
  • Skeletons with skull: accepted individually

• Insects, butterflies & scientific insect collections:

  • CITES Appendix II insects: accepted individually
  • Non-CITES framed or domed specimens: minimum 4 items per lot
  • Scientific collections: accepted as a single grouped submission with detailed overview

What we do not accept

To keep our auctions high-quality and trustworthy, we do not accept:

• Poor-quality taxidermy: unrealistic poses, visible defects, or improper finish
• Objects made from illegal or unpermitted species (e.g. elephant, rhino)
• Taxidermy of CITES-protected species without an Article 10 certificate
• Human remains (except museum-quality replicas)
• Domesticated animal skins (e.g. cow, goat)
• Sea snail shells <10 cm and mammal skulls <5 cm
• Skulls from common species (e.g. red fox, bat), unless grouped
  

📌 Examples of accepted and rejected objects:

Getting your submission ready

1. Fill in all the details and write a clear description

When you submit an object, you’ll see fields to guide you in providing the right information, such as type of object, scientific name, date of collection or preparation, country and city of origin, dimensions (height/length), weight (grams), condition, etc. These fields ensure your listing is clear, searchable, and easy for bidders to understand.

Please also use the object description field to share:

• Unique features or notable history of the object
• What is included/not included 
• If the object has any flaws
• Provenance details stating ownership history, country of acquisition, and documentation

Tip: The more detail you provide, the easier it is for bidders to understand the value of your object – and the more likely it is to sell.

📌 Examples of a well-written description:

• The seller states how the item was made and what specific materials used, to make sure there is no room for confusion:

“Entomological box made entirely in France in my workshop.

Specimen on display: Morpho didius

Box made of MDF and 5mm plywood covered with black linen ribbon. Polystyrene base covered with charcoal gray lacquered art paper and an oxide red border.

Glazed lid made of 2mm glass.

Nestable box.

Mounting ring screwed to the back of the frame".

2. Great photos matter

Photos are the first thing bidders see – so make them count! We recommend including at least 5 high-quality images that clearly show the condition and details of your object. This helps bidders make informed decisions and increases your chances of a successful sale.

Your photos should include:

For all submissions:

• Front, back, sides, top, bottom
• Sharp close-ups of details: eyes, claws, fur texture, feathers, inscriptions, rings
• Damage or repairs (clearly shown)
• CITES certificates (with readable Article 10 reference)

For grouped submissions:

• Group photos and individual shots

Tip:  Avoid photos with people, selfies, or screenshots. Use a neutral background (white or black), avoid low-quality or stock images, and aim for natural lighting. Find here more tips on how to take professional photos.

📌 Examples of good vs. bad photos:

• Like on the left, the animal should be visible completely with a neutral background and good lightning.

3. Additional proof of legal compliance: CITES and EU regulations

We pay extra attention to ensure authenticity and legal compliance of objects with international regulations to protect bidders and ensure a trustworthy marketplace. All taxidermy and natural history objects must meet strict legal requirements.

You will be requested to provide:

✔ Documentation proving legal origin and trade

✔ CITES permits (e.g. Article 10) when required

✔ Additional supporting documents (e.g. invoices, hunting exemption, foot rings) depending on the species

This documentation is required for internal verification but will not be shown in the listing. If CITES or national permits are missing or unclear, your object will be rejected.

📌 Examples of proof of legal compliance:

Detailed requirements for CITES-protected species (Appendix I / Annex A):

✔ Valid Article 10 Certificate (Commercial Use) in the name of the seller, or accompanied by written authorisation if selling on behalf of the owner

✔ Clear photo of the certificate, showing:

• Paragraph 1: Name/address of certificate holder 
• Paragraph 19(b): Commercial use is permitted

✔ Additional supporting documents (e.g. invoices, hunting exemption, foot rings) depending on the species

Detailed requirements for CITES-protected species (Appendix II / III or Annex B / C):

✔ A statement of legal origin or a clearly readable invoice or other official proof

Detailed requirements for wild birds (EU Birds Directive):

✔ Proof that the animal was born and bred in captivity (e.g. closed foot ring) or documentation showing it was obtained through licensed hunting or wildlife control

📌Tip: Please refer to our CITES guidelines and use www.speciesplus.net to check whether a species is CITES-protected and what documentation is needed.

Ready to sell? List your taxidermy today

Selling with us is free – commission is only applied if your object sells.

Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of success.

Register as a seller and submit your object for auction now.