An Interesting Preserved Natural History Dissected Specimen Showing the Cross Section of a Lesser Spotted Dogfish, Prepared by T Gerrard & Co Ltd
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Origin: English
Period: Late Nineteenth Century / Early Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1880-1910
Diameter: 3.5 inches (at maximum)
Height: 10.5 inches
The specimens, preserved in formaldehyde within a cylindrical glass capsule, the label to the reverse in latin reading ‘Scyliorhinus, canicula’….‘Dogfish’ in the typical Gerrard & Co style. The cross section of the dogfish is displayed chronologically.
The specimens, and the capsule it resides in, are in fine condition with no cracks or loss. There are some loose particles suspended in the formaldehyde, which is entirely normal. The capsule may or may not be a later replacement though it is certainly of a high quality. The label shows some wear. There may have been several individual labels for each section of the fish but if so they are not present aside from one reading ‘Gills’. There is some white discolouration to the backing board around one of the sections. Most importantly each section is stable and the glass is fine.
T Gerrard & Co Ltd, Pentonville Road, preparators, technicians and modellers of London were involved, amongst other things, in biology, osteology and entomology. They moved to Preston, Angmering, Sussex as Gerrard & Haig Ltd in the 1970's. Later they were aquired by Griffin & George, before that firm was itself taken over by Fisons Scientific.
The small-spotted catshark or lesser spotted dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula, is a cat shark of the family Scyliorhinidae found on the continental shelves and uppermost slopes off Norway and the British Isles south to Senegal, including the Mediterranean. Its length is up to 1 meter and it can weigh more than 2 kg. It is found primarily over sandy, gravely or muddy bottoms at depths of a few meters down to 400 m.
An imposing and highly arresting slice of natural history preservation.
*The shipping of this fragile item is through a bespoke service and is reflected in the price
