Old Moose Antlers

[IluvABbeef]

Someday I'm going to take down those moose antlers and fix them up. Been wanting to do that for a while. I have no idea how old they are, but I DO know that they're quite a bit older'n me; they've been up on the old house ever since I could remember. I guess you could call them "antique".

Here's a (crappy) pic of them:

They look like still got a bit of moose-hide on the part of the skull the horns are attached to, I could leave it there I guess. :? And I know the first thing I have to do is take them down (CAREFULLY) before I can get started. That rack is probably pretty big, considering that it's kinda high up in the old house. I think those rafters are maybe 3' apart...and that's just a wild guess.

So any ideas I can do to fix up those antique pair of antlers? Should I soak 'em first in peroxide before I apply varnish, or just varnish them as they are?

And what do you think should i do with them when I do get them down and fixed up?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[IluvABbeef]

Wow, no body knows how to help me with this?? Okay then....

 

[KNERSIE]

Wow, no body knows how to help me with this?? Okay then....

Try on the hunting board, the taxidermist types frequent there. I am sure I've read that one of the board members does som taxidermy work, but can't remember who it is.

 

[CattleHand]

they look liek they would make a great hat holder if you want a use for them

 

[IluvABbeef]

I'll try that then knersie, thanks...

 

[eberlej]

Peroxide will bleach the antlers so I'm not sure that's what you'd want to do. Typically the skull gets soaked in peroxide being careful not to get it on the antlers. WASCO sells an antler stain that will restore the color of the antlers. As far as the hide on the skull cap goes, it may be difficult to get off. I've used dermestid beetles that that have cleaned skulls that have been out in the weather for a couple of years and they do a remarkable job. I believe they would take the hide off of the skull cap albeit it would take a while. But, they've been hanging there for years so I guess there's no rush.

I don't think I'd varnish the antlers as this would give them an unnatural look and varnish tends to yellow as years go by. What to do once you get them cleaned up???? I guess you could put them back in the rafters or nail them above the door . Hope this helps.