Taxidermy shield project started

[AB2506]

Unsure on the zebra hide, but I think you need a much darker stain.
Excellent wood work!

 

[billc]

Thanks for all the feedback. Some good ideas and it really shows a varied results in taste everyone may have.

I will be able to stain them darker or lighter for color. The only problem with different hides is I have what I have at this point and that is just some backskins from animals I have taken already. I will cut some others up and post later to see what guys think.

I wish I had some leopard but never did that hunt yet. Not sure I would have any skin though left as that would be a full mount for me. LOL

To me one or two skulls is all I would even add to the shield and I would only ever do smaller skulls myself. The strip can be added or not depending on each guy. Could even just add more cut in detail if someone would want that.

Going to have my son learn how to make one and help him. He has been looking for some projects to make some extra cash.

Thanks again everyone some great info for me on this project.

 

[billc]

Some more pics with stain and base made plus some clear coats. Cut a slot out of the base so the tip of the shield goes into base. It holds it ok but will still need some spears to help brace it up. Still did not decide on skin or not yet or cut some other hide to see how that looks yet.

 

[johnnyblues]

I like it bill but for me the zebra stripe just takes away from it. I'd like it without it. Otherwise very nice job.

 

[billc]

I like it bill but for me the zebra stripe just takes away from it. I'd like it without it. Otherwise very nice job.

I agree as I don't like the zebra as much as when it was just raw wood. All depends on who looks at it because a few love it with the zebra. It is something that can be made to the persons specs as what they want done to the shield. I do like it better since I cleared it and added the dark wood on the base.

 

[Lee M]

Here are some pics of the one Jody made for me last week. Almost identical dimensions to Bills as far as height and width. Jody hand carved the curved lines - pretty impressive and beyond my artistic abilities. I think it adds to the rustic look of the stain used on this shield. I am not sure what skull or skulls will be added as I don't want to cover too much of the shield. Maybe just my Hartebeeest on the top?

I like the dark wood added between the base and the shield. That is how the original one I saw was done from Highveld. Bill told me he used Mahogony for this on his base. It makes for a nice contrast.

Fun projects!

 

[AB2506]

FUnny, I was going to suggest to BillC that he make the base in the shape of Africa, but I see that Lee M has already done that!

 

[ActionBob]

FUnny, I was going to suggest to BillC that he make the base in the shape of Africa, but I see that Lee M has already done that!

I second that. But Bill your shield looks great.

I think what you do with the skin and stain colors depends somewhat on what animals you mount on there... Have fun experimenting!

 

[billc]

Base was always in the plans just could not find the mahogany I wanted so was holding off till then. Some of the prices for certain kind of wood is crazy but it is what can make a project look great or just ok I think.

I like the mahogany a lot for color and look so may try and make the next shield out of it.

I know some want to hang mounts or skulls on the shield. Would anyone just use one to just decorate a place in there trophy room?

 

[cpr0312]

@CAustin had suggested to me that I contact Jody for this very project, looks like Lee beat me to it. Looks nice as does yours Bill!

 

[Lee M]

Bill - I think a shield can stand on its own without a skull. I may even do this as I also have Africa shaped plaques that can be used for my skulls. Also if you find a dkin that you like and add this that may be just the touch to finish it off

 

[thi9elsp]

I like both shields and @Bill C I would see using one just for decoration - it would depend on dimensions.

 

[Lee M]

I agree one with a skull, one without!

Bill - I guess you'll have to give me your shield so I'll have two.

 

[ActionBob]

Something I found on the internet a while back and saved in my picture file....

 

[PARA45]

Those are some beautiful shields! I have one with my Gemsbok and, if anyone needs detail pictures or measurements, please let me know. I'll post a picture when I get home. Well done Lee & Jody!

 

[billc]

Something I found on the internet a while back and saved in my picture file....View attachment 160852

That is a nice shield bob but dam your talking about some extra time for all that line work on a shield like that. To me it is almost to busy with all the lines. I do like the base a bunch with all the rough edge on it but again some time to do.

Just on the shield I made with the cabinet grade wood then stained and finished I would sell them for 400 to 450. This would be a 5ft tall by 20"to 21" wide.That is made with quality wood not some 2x10 or 2 x12 home depot lumber and that adds some big cost to a project like this. I still have not figured out the spears yet so not even sure what that would end up being.

If anyone would like one or something made to what they want. Please feel free to pm me and I will let you know if I can do one for you. I would say it would take 3 weeks maybe less to be done and on its way to you.

 

[ActionBob]

That is a nice shield bob but dam your talking about some extra time for all that line work on a shield like that. To me it is almost to busy with all the lines. I do like the base a bunch with all the rough edge on it but again some time to do.

Just on the shield I made with the cabinet grade wood then stained and finished I would sell them for 400 to 450. This would be a 5ft tall by 20"to 21" wide.That is made with quality wood not some 2x10 or 2 x12 home depot lumber and that adds some big cost to a project like this. I still have not figured out the spears yet so not even sure what that would end up being.

If anyone would like one or something made to what they want. Please feel free to pm me and I will let you know if I can do one for you. I would say it would take 3 weeks maybe less to be done and on its way to you.

Yea Bill I could see that on all the lines. I think your shield is just great as is. I posted that picture more as a suggestion of how to use the shield as a base for a pedestal mount. As for spears, I would get one of your friends in Africa to buy the spears there for you and just ship them inside a crate full of taxidermy. Even if they just sent you the metal and you add wooden handles yourself?

 

[AB2506]

I've looked at Cold Steel spearheads. They have one that would look great. Undecided on the handles though.

 

[gizmo]

Bill I absolutely love the shield with the base. I also like the zebra but really the stain/hide combinations are almost infinite.

 

[billc]

Bill I absolutely love the shield with the base. I also like the zebra but really the stain/hide combinations are almost infinite.

Your are not kidding with all the combos of stain let alone add some hide to the mix. I was even thinking of painting all the lines I cut in black to add some break up of the solid look of just stain.