An Ermine (Stoat in winter coat) in an oak picture frame case with a fine water colour back drop and Murrays trade label pasted to the verso.
Dated in pencil Jan 8th 1945.

45cm wide x 37cm high.

Ref: 25615

Notes: This well-known firm was founded in 1872 by H.Murray, whose son, Albert James Murray (1879-1962) continued to run, until 1961.
The following extract is taken from ‘A History of British Taxidermy’ by C. Frost, (a recommended read for anyone with an interest in Victorian taxidermy)
“I have seen a variety of case styles by Murray over the years, but they are undoubtedly best known for their characteristic ‘picture frame’ cases with watercolour scenic back grounds. This can be a most attractive type of case when well executed, having the appearance of a three-dimensional picture. The pleasant watercolour paintings forming the backdrops to the cases, which were, I believe, painted by Murray himself, and often depict a Lakeland scene. (Carnforth, of course, is close to the Lake District.)
Albert Murray sold his shop in 1961, and spent the last six months of his life living in Milnthorpe (just a few miles north of Carnforth). He died in March 1962 at the age of eighty-three, and was buried in Carnforth cemetery. He had no children. His old shop is now a car park.