Any experience with First Class Trophy taxidermy?

[cmk]

They offer a complete service with taxidermy, paperwork, shipping and delivery to your doorstep, if you live in the EU (from Namibia and RSA only). At a fixed price (price list available online). www.firstclasstrophy.com

From the look of it - it seems like it takes the hassles and guesswork out of dealing with multiple parties, and I guess that you pay a bit extra for that. But it is only a good deal if the work is good and on time. It is also a bit unclear who actually does the work, and where.

Have any fellow Europeans utilized their services for taxidermy and shipping from Africa? And were you happy with the results/service?

And how do their prices compare to handling it yourself? (If you have also used other companies).

Thanks in advance

 

[harden]

Not from the UK but I just took in a muskox that went thru First Class Trophy Taxidermy as a tanned skin for a mount then shipped to the US, my studio.
WOW not going to be fun, the tanning job sucks. No Stretch to the skin at all and face dermis is 1/4" thick crappy shaving. In my opinion. First time I've ever dealt with them for anything. Good Luck.

 

[cmk]

Thanks for the reply Dennis. I've been checking some of the taxidermy threads, and understand that in-country taxidermy can be a gamble when it comes to skins that are to be mounted.

In my case, I would probably only have European skull mounts and perhaps a tanned skin (think zebra rug) or so - which seems to be considered 'safer' to do anywhere. I realize that for a full mount, or a composition of several animals - one would appreciate to have the taxidermist within reach. But a skull on a shield is not as complicated.

So for the simpler work, would it be a good deal just to avoid the paperwork and get the door-to-door delivery?
And they state on their website that they have a great tracking and communication system, so you will always know where in the process your stuff is.

Anyone with first-hand experience of the door-to-door service, I'd be glad to hear your opinions.