Taxidermy: The Famous Late Victorian "Bruno The Battling Bear", circa

Taxidermy: The Famous Late Victorian "Bruno The Battling Bear", circa 1850-1900, Taxidermy: The Famous Late Victorian "Bruno The Battling Bear", circa 1850-1900, the infamous North American boxing Black Bear known as "Bruno", posed in standing position with paws raised wearing red boxing gloves, stood mounted upon an ebonised stand, overall height 174cm. Battling Bruno is the famous late 19th century fighting bear used to entertain gold rush prospectors in North America, fighting other animals and other bears with boxing gloves. He later fought "Gentleman Jim", an infamous boxer from San Francisco and knocked him out. When Queen Victoria heard of this, she gave Bruno the Knight of the Royal Bath, and at her request, he was later stuffed when he died. Bruno highlights the time of the gold rush days in the 19th century...the tough communities that were built up overnight and the lack of decent living conditions, let alone, entertainment for men that were often away from their families for years: many who never returned. Watching bear fights was just one way to get through the tedium of panning for gold, as well as a means to earn money for the trainer through bets etc. Although, a cruel and barbaric sport, this era highlights man’s need to dominate those around him, especially animals, who have always been a source of entertainment, from fighting cockerel’s, dogfights to bullfighting. Provenance: purchased from excess items at an Isle of Wight museum sale

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