Snakeskin Taxidermy

[nate1865]

I inherited a few snakeskins from some timber rattlers killed many years ago. I'd like to have them preserved so I can put them on a wall.

Any recommendations on someone in the east central part of the state that can handle this?

 

[AGarbers]

I am assuming they are already skinned and fleshed out.

When I lived in Arizona I preserved a great many rattlesnake skins and usedthem for belt buckles, hat bands, wallets, etc. I brushed on a 1-1-1 mix ofwater, glycerin, and rubbing alcohol using a paint brush. I usually gave them about three coats,letting them dry between applications.

You may have a problem with the scales falling off as time goes by; in factit is better to brush them off before applying the mix.

Tandy leather used to sell NeatLac (sp?) which was a spray on coating thatgive the skins a high gloss and really brings out the color.

I have many items that I have made over the years and they all still lookgreat.

 

[nate1865]

They are - they have been hanging on an old cabin wall for decades. I'm looking to make sure they're preserved.

I'll look up that product - perhaps I can do this myself if it is that simple.

 

[AGarbers]

If all you want to do is hang them on a wall you could glue them on a backing, like felt, with contact or leather cement. I used to use contact cement and Leather Weld. If they are still plyable (sp?) you might be able to sew them on with a common sewing machine.