Birds · 19th century
€ 80
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Overall very good. Light age toning typical for original 19th-century paper. Margins intact with minor handling wear at the edges.
Prize Fowls, Ducks, and Pigeons Crystal Palace Poultry Show 1870
This antique print titled 'Prize Fowls, Ducks, and Pigeons at the Crystal Palace Poultry Show' was published in The Illustrated London News on December 17, 1870. It depicts a beautiful array of prize-winning poultry, featuring intricately engraved illustrations of various breeds of fowls, ducks, and pigeons exhibited at the famous Crystal Palace Poultry Show in London.
The upper section shows a group of ducks, possibly including prize Aylesbury and Black East Indian ducks, resting and standing gracefully. In the middle are detailed images of pigeons, likely including show varieties such as Pouters and Fantails with their distinctive postures and plumage. The lower part of the print displays several robust prize fowls, including large feather-footed breeds that resemble Cochins or Brahmas, popular for their impressive size, feathering, and show presence during the Victorian era.
The engraving technique captures fine details, from the texture of feathers to the characteristic stances of each bird, making it a valuable visual record of 19th-century poultry breeding excellence. Such prints are highly collectible for their documentary value, historical context, and decorative appeal, especially for those interested in agricultural history, animal breeding, or Victorian exhibitions.
Condition: Overall very good. Light age toning typical for original 19th-century paper. Margins intact with minor handling wear at the edges.
Tips for framing: This print would look excellent in a natural wood frame to highlight its organic agricultural theme, or in a black or dark brown frame with a cream mount to provide elegant contrast. Ideal for farmhouse kitchens, living rooms with country decor, or collections focusing on poultry and livestock history.
