Large Non-Typical Mule Deer Rack - Got Potential?

[Sh00tist]

Large Non-Typical Mule Deer Rack with long tines, wide spread, heavy mass, discarded, broken and collecting dust in an old storage shed.


The owner of this rack was going to cut them up and make handles for walking sticks to sale at the local flea market. He knew it was a very large rack, however he didn't recognize the potential they had for an impressive Antler mount display. I think, he had slammed down a several cold ones when he came up with walking stick idea.

Rough Score: 198" Non-typical - I know, its hard to see the potential... but, I couldn't imagine them as walking stick handles.


Restoration Project Photo: Split Skullcap, screwed onto a 2"x8" piece of decking, antlers were Laquer/Varnish stained. Overall it was a sad and ugly looking antler mount.


Restoration Project Photo: Broke or should I say, shattered G4 tine.


Restoration Project Photo: Repaired G4 tine, Antlers Metalized in Bronze.


Restoration Project Photo: Restoration and Bronzing completed, form sealed and ready for premium leather and mounting on a custom solid walnut hardwood panel.


Finished Showpiece- Unofficial B&C Score: 203 6/8" Non-typical

[savagemuley]

Great looking set of antlers, I think you did a good job with them.

[DocD]

Just Great!!! I am glad you saved them, I have a set I would like to have restored, I will post a few pictures later and see what you think.
you sure did a great job on those, I went to your web page (I think it is yours) and seen some great work, you should post the link, some "Great Stuff" there. Doc

[Sh00tist]

My Website is http://www.classicantlermounts.com

[Sh00tist]

Originally Posted by DocD

Just Great!!! I am glad you saved them, I have a set I would like to have restored, I will post a few pictures later and see what you think.
you sure did a great job on those, I went to your web page (I think it is yours) and seen some great work, you should post the link, some "Great Stuff" there. Doc

Doc, Thanks for the Feedback & Support. I look forward to seeing photos of the set you would like to have restored. Sh00tist.

[DocD]

This deer was taken in about 1956, and hung in the shed for many years, until someone (for whatever reason) took them and cut the plate, I had forgotten about them for a few years and then when doing some work I came across them, not a great set but pretty nice and they have family history, I tried to do a repair job, not very good but good enough for the shed.






Doc

[Sh00tist]

Doc, I like the look you have achieved... appears that you have them mounted on a deer skull antler form with white leather.

I would suggest a design that is similar... however, I would take them just a few steps further and give them a very distinct look.

Have you thought about mounting the antlers on a reproduction skull and also having the antlers metalized?

Could you imagine what these antlers would look like mounted and metalized on a whitetail reproduction skull. Metalized in a dark bronze or rich copper with the antler tips buffed and just enough patina to enhance the burrs and points on the base of each antler beam.

I happen to know a guy in my area (Denver, Colorado) that has done some excellent work for Jonas Bros., Cabelas, Classic Antler Mounts, etc. I would have to get his approval before posting his business name or any of his photos here. However, I don't think he would mind if I shared a link to photos on his website.

This is what I envision for your mount. Check out the photo in this link: http://www.ironcladmetaleffects.com/images/ISEBronzeMulie.JPG and let me know what you think.