Rare Antique Polar Bear Rug | Alaskan Taxidermy | Early 20th Century

Provenance & Ownership History
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Purchased in Alaska, USA, during the 1960s. The piece later entered the collection of John C. Vandyk, founder, president, and chief executive officer of VANDYK Properties, a privately owned North American real estate development and investment company established more than four decades ago.

The specimen was professionally restored in 2022 and was subsequently acquired in 2023 by a prominent private collector of taxidermy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

$10,000.00
$10,000.00
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The only one in the world. Once it is sold, it will not be restocked.
Detailed view of a rare antique polar bear taxidermy rug with ivory fur, mounted head, grey ruffled trim, and natural claws.
Antique polar bear skin rug displayed in full on a clean white background with grey fabric edging and mounted head.
Front-facing antique polar bear hide rug shown on a neutral white background with mounted head and open mouth
Overhead view of a vintage polar bear taxidermy rug with outstretched legs, natural ivory fur, and grey ruffled trim.
Side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim
Full-length polar bear taxidermy rug laid flat on a white studio background, showing the hide, paws, head, and decorative trim.
Close-up detail of a polar bear rug paw showing the natural fur, long claws, and grey ruffled fabric edging.
Antique polar bear rug head with glossy eyes, black nose, open mouth, visible teeth, and ivory fur.
Left-side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim.
Video showing a rare early 20th-century Alaskan polar bear rug with open-mouth taxidermy head, highlighting facial detail, glass eyes, and restored condition.
  • Detailed view of a rare antique polar bear taxidermy rug with ivory fur, mounted head, grey ruffled trim, and natural claws.
  • Antique polar bear skin rug displayed in full on a clean white background with grey fabric edging and mounted head.
  • Front-facing antique polar bear hide rug shown on a neutral white background with mounted head and open mouth
  • Overhead view of a vintage polar bear taxidermy rug with outstretched legs, natural ivory fur, and grey ruffled trim.
  • Side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim
  • Full-length polar bear taxidermy rug laid flat on a white studio background, showing the hide, paws, head, and decorative trim.
  • Close-up detail of a polar bear rug paw showing the natural fur, long claws, and grey ruffled fabric edging.
  • Antique polar bear rug head with glossy eyes, black nose, open mouth, visible teeth, and ivory fur.
  • Left-side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim.
  • Video showing a rare early 20th-century Alaskan polar bear rug with open-mouth taxidermy head, highlighting facial detail, glass eyes, and restored condition.
Detailed view of a rare antique polar bear taxidermy rug with ivory fur, mounted head, grey ruffled trim, and natural claws.
Antique polar bear skin rug displayed in full on a clean white background with grey fabric edging and mounted head.
Front-facing antique polar bear hide rug shown on a neutral white background with mounted head and open mouth
Overhead view of a vintage polar bear taxidermy rug with outstretched legs, natural ivory fur, and grey ruffled trim.
Side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim
Full-length polar bear taxidermy rug laid flat on a white studio background, showing the hide, paws, head, and decorative trim.
Close-up detail of a polar bear rug paw showing the natural fur, long claws, and grey ruffled fabric edging.
Antique polar bear rug head with glossy eyes, black nose, open mouth, visible teeth, and ivory fur.
Left-side-profile close-up of an antique polar bear rug head showing the glass eye, black nose, open mouth, teeth, and grey trim.
Video showing a rare early 20th-century Alaskan polar bear rug with open-mouth taxidermy head, highlighting facial detail, glass eyes, and restored condition.
Authenticity and secure checkout guarantee

Rare Antique Polar Bear Rug | Alaskan Taxidermy | Early 20th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Alaska
Material: Polar bear hide with felt backing and taxidermy head
Period: Early 20th century CE

Special Note to Buyers: This polar bear rug may require specialized wildlife and export permits for shipment outside Canada. Any applicable permit requirements, associated costs, processing timelines, and shipping arrangements will be reviewed and discussed with the buyer before the order is finalized. International shipment cannot be guaranteed until all required approvals have been obtained.

Description

This exceptional antique polar bear rug is a museum-quality example of early 20th-century taxidermy craftsmanship. The rug features a dramatic open-mouth head mount with a lifelike expression, reflecting the skilled artistry typical of high-end taxidermy from the period.

Originally acquired from an established Alaskan antique store in 1970. In 2020, it underwent a professional conservation-grade restoration, ensuring its structural integrity, visual presence, and long-term preservation while respecting its historical character.

The hide retains strong coloration and natural texture, while the head mount presents finely detailed anatomical features, making this a striking centerpiece for both private and institutional settings.

Features

- Early 20th-century antique polar bear rug

- Open-mouth head mount with detailed jaw and lifelike expression

- Glass eyes enhancing realism and depth

- Artificial tongue, nose, and teeth for durability and period accuracy

- Double felt trim and under-matting for structure and refined presentation

- Professionally restored in 2020

- Museum-quality scale and visual impact

Cultural Significance

Large polar bear rugs of this caliber were historically commissioned as symbols of prestige, exploration, and achievement, particularly in North American and Arctic contexts. Today, surviving examples in well-preserved condition are increasingly scarce, valued not only as decorative statement pieces but also as historical artifacts reflecting early taxidermy practices and Arctic heritage.

Such rugs occupy a unique position at the intersection of natural history, decorative arts, and collecting tradition.

Condition

Excellent condition for age. Professionally restored in 2020 with careful attention to preservation and authenticity. Hide, mount, and backing remain stable, with no significant damage or deterioration observed.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 87 in
Width: 89 in

Age (Approximate)

100–115 years old

Provenance 

Purchased in Alaska, USA, during the 1960s. The piece later entered the collection of John C. Vandyk, founder, president, and chief executive officer of VANDYK Properties, a privately owned North American real estate development and investment company established more than four decades ago.

The specimen was professionally restored in 2022 and was subsequently acquired in 2023 by a prominent private collector of taxidermy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Discover how polar bear harvesting is managed, regulated, and traded in Canada through CITES

Browse Our Rare Early 20th-Century Wolverine Taxidermy Rug

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Alaska
Material: Polar bear hide with felt backing and taxidermy head
Period: Early 20th century CE

Special Note to Buyers: This polar bear rug may require specialized wildlife and export permits for shipment outside Canada. Any applicable permit requirements, associated costs, processing timelines, and shipping arrangements will be reviewed and discussed with the buyer before the order is finalized. International shipment cannot be guaranteed until all required approvals have been obtained.

Description

This exceptional antique polar bear rug is a museum-quality example of early 20th-century taxidermy craftsmanship. The rug features a dramatic open-mouth head mount with a lifelike expression, reflecting the skilled artistry typical of high-end taxidermy from the period.

Originally acquired from an established Alaskan antique store in 1970. In 2020, it underwent a professional conservation-grade restoration, ensuring its structural integrity, visual presence, and long-term preservation while respecting its historical character.

The hide retains strong coloration and natural texture, while the head mount presents finely detailed anatomical features, making this a striking centerpiece for both private and institutional settings.

Features

- Early 20th-century antique polar bear rug

- Open-mouth head mount with detailed jaw and lifelike expression

- Glass eyes enhancing realism and depth

- Artificial tongue, nose, and teeth for durability and period accuracy

- Double felt trim and under-matting for structure and refined presentation

- Professionally restored in 2020

- Museum-quality scale and visual impact

Cultural Significance

Large polar bear rugs of this caliber were historically commissioned as symbols of prestige, exploration, and achievement, particularly in North American and Arctic contexts. Today, surviving examples in well-preserved condition are increasingly scarce, valued not only as decorative statement pieces but also as historical artifacts reflecting early taxidermy practices and Arctic heritage.

Such rugs occupy a unique position at the intersection of natural history, decorative arts, and collecting tradition.

Condition

Excellent condition for age. Professionally restored in 2020 with careful attention to preservation and authenticity. Hide, mount, and backing remain stable, with no significant damage or deterioration observed.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 87 in
Width: 89 in

Age (Approximate)

100–115 years old

Provenance 

Purchased in Alaska, USA, during the 1960s. The piece later entered the collection of John C. Vandyk, founder, president, and chief executive officer of VANDYK Properties, a privately owned North American real estate development and investment company established more than four decades ago.

The specimen was professionally restored in 2022 and was subsequently acquired in 2023 by a prominent private collector of taxidermy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Discover how polar bear harvesting is managed, regulated, and traded in Canada through CITES

Browse Our Rare Early 20th-Century Wolverine Taxidermy Rug

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