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A rare pair of male and female huia beak jewellery items, the…
Lot No.
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Description:
A rare pair of male and female huia beak jewellery items, the female beak mounted as a brooch, engraved and gilded fancy 9ct. yellow gold cap to end with ball finial, small strap mount to receive the pin end, safety pin attached. Length 10 cm. The shorter beak of the male beak mounted as a 9ct. gold cap pendant with castellated detail, fine black feather detail showing under the gold cap mount and protruding at the top. Length 6 cm. Note: The huia was remarkable for having the most pronounced sexual dimorphism in bill shape of any bird species in the world. The extension of the huia in the early 20th century was due to rampant overhunting to procure mounted specimens, skins and tail feathers by worldwide museums and wealthy private collectors, the deforestation of the bird's habitat by European settlers to create pasture also lead to their demise
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Jewellery: Brooches