Who's afraid of the big bad gator?  Not Danny, our visiting toddler to our weird home:

ALLIGATOR HARVEST:  Wild gators have been harvested for 200 years, first in Louisiana in the early 1800's.  Their skins were used to make boots, shoes & saddles and their oil used to grease steam engines and cotton mills, then for shoes and saddles for the Confederate troops during the Civil War.  Commercial tanning in the early 1900's made the skins more soft and durable.  Between 1962-71 no gators were allowed to be harvested due to the low numbers, then it was allowed again in 1972.  Today there is an annual gator hunt in Louisiana during the month of September to harvest wild gators.  Also, since 1986  Louisiana began an alligator ranching program that  allows the farms to collect alligator eggs on private lands which they incubate, hatch and raise to the size of 3-5 feet long, returning 50% of the gators (government regulated) back to the wild (300,000 eggs collected annually).

FULL BODY ALLIGATOR MOUNTS

#G402-1

Tag #0706285; This "cute" full body taxidermy Alligator mount measures 5'11" (or 71") long (Florida caught).  6-3/4" from center of eye to tip of nose, 7-1/2" at widest part of body, 22" wide across legs.

$1950  SOLD

plus actual Fedex freight insured shipping in the continental U.S.

Full body

Eyes

Head

Mid-body including island

Top of back & tail

Victim

(okay, kidding, ever see a victim smile?)

#G402-4

Tag #FLM1003825This Godzilla sized full body taxidermy American Alligator mount (caught in Florida) measures 10' 2" long; 13" from center of eye to tip of nose, 14" at widest part of body, 45" wide across back legs.  This specialty mount is UP on his legs in full attack mode!  A special "island" was created to support the belly, made of painted foam & real leaves and Spanish moss, which is a separate piece.  The gator does stand alone without it.  Body & legs are reinforced.  What makes him look so big is the fact that the tail is STRAIGHT OUT, so the full length of the gator is evident.  Would make any Swamp People proud!

$7850

LOCAL PICKUP ONLY

#G402-5

5' 3" long (63") long, age 5+ years old (juvenile); support board attached to belly

$2875  SOLD

#G402-6

4' 6" (54") long, age 3.5 years old (juvenile; as small as they harvest them); MOUTH CLOSED, cannot be opened; support board attached to belly

$2525   SOLD

(Rare) Tiny to small in size, vintage (circa 1950's), they used to be very popular as a collector item, now they are protected.

("Caiman"  is a Spanish term meaning "crocodile" or  any Crocodilian.

Despite pressure from hunting and also collection for the pet trade, however, existing surveys suggest that populations are in relatively good condition in most areas (e.g Venezuela). This seems to reflect the adaptability of the species, its reproductive potential, and the increase in available habitat through the removal of competing species and an increase in man-made water bodies (e.g Brazilian Panatal, Colombia, Venezuela).  Today, only the Spectacled Caiman is hunted in large numbers in the Panatal area of Brazil, the others remain protected.

This medium sized Caiman vintage full body gator measures 31" long following the curvature of the tail, x 4-1/2" tall.  Hide is in nice shiny fairly supple condition.  Minor kink in tail (common); round piece missing from underside of jaw (not visible when gator is posed normally).

$265.00  SOLD

 Caiman crocodile taxidermy mount measures a linear 13-1/2" long x 2-1/2" widest at the legs, x 2-1/2" tall.  Posed in a walking mode, mouth open.  It is in excellent condition, leather is supple; inside of mouth is painted red. 

$120  SOLD

(this is not an item that can be requested or ordered, it is a rare find)

Gator skins were split at the belly and flattened, taxidermy of complete skin containing bony skutes, head, teeth all original, in museum quality condition.  Gorgeous color and shine.  Legally tagged gators from Florida.  Skin rugs are backed with felt and can be hung on a wall or laid on a floor (but NOT to be walked on).  Width measurement is the skin itself, not the feet.  Photographed with Glenn, who is 5'10" tall.  This will give you a better idea of the SIZE of these critters.

Actual Fedex ground insured shipping is additional, we can ship anywhere in the 48 continental U.S. states.

split down belly, flattened so you get the entire gator in a rug form including head & feet

#G448

Gator skin rug is 72" long x 32" widest; blue tag #498; on black felt backing with hanging hook behind head; European trophy mount style

$1950 SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the continental 48 states)

#G449 SOLD, Shane

Gator skin rug is 79" long x 35" widest, tan tag #260; on black felt backing with hanging hook behind head; European trophy mount style

$2275

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the continental 48 states)

#G-455

Natural coloring on this 62-3/4" (5.23 feet) long x 17" widest belly hide; 1 bullet hole mid-tail.  Photos show front, back, and close-up of front.

$985

#G-456

Extra thick/stiff hide measures 97 inches (8'1") long x 30" widest; no damage.  Photos show front, back, and close-up of front.

$1180  SOLD

#G-457

Awesome TEAL belly skin scutes on sides measures 8 ft 3 inches long x 20 inches wide. This is soft & pliable (no felt backing, just natural leather), suitable for motorcycle seats, leather working, or a great wall or floor display. (Broom in photo is 51" long.)

$1000  SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the U.S.)

#G-458

Gorgeous BLACK belly skin, measures 76-5/8" (6 ft 4-5/8") long x 18" widest part.  This is a soft, pliable, supple leather  (no felt backing, just natural leather), suitable for motorcycle seats, any leather working, or a great wall or floor display.  Photos do not do justice.

$900  SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the U.S.)

#G-459

Gorgeous chestnut coloring and sheen on this 103-5/8" (8' 7-5/8") long x 28-1/2" widest belly hide; no damage.  Photos show front, back, and close-up of front.

$1200

#G-461

Baby gator hide (not common), 38" long x 8" widest, natural coloring, no felt backing, just the hide itself.

$450

#G-462

Belly hide measures 5.67 feet (68") long x 15" widest, no holes except natural cloaca; natural coloring; no felt backing, just the hide itself

$800  SOLD

#G-463

Belly hide measures 5.75 feet (69") long x 14-1/2" widest, no holes except natural cloaca, chestnut coloring; no felt backing, just the hide itself

$820

#G-464

Belly hide measures 5.33 feet (64") long x 15" widest, hole near tail (plus natural cloaca); chestnut coloring; no felt backing, just the hide itself

$760

#G-465

Section of belly hide/underside of foot, and foot leather, previously used to display exotic items on top of it.  Rectangular area measures 21" x 13"; foot area measures 20" x 8-1/2"; flap measures 10" x 5"

$260

How do you like this?

Dog is wearing a gator costume!!

A truly unique and versatile item you will not find elsewhere.  Custom made for us.  Can be used inside doors on the floor as mud scrapers, or hang on the wall as a beautiful natural item.  No backing, rug underneath recommended for floor use).  Natural bone scutes protrude from the back and are very durable.  Sealed, shiny, gorgeous, thick, stiff, fairly heavy.  We'll say it again, 100% of the gator is used in some way (meat goes to the restaurants, head & feet are sold separately on the website on Gators pages 2 and 3, belly skin tanned & sold, you-name-it, it's used.)

These are the connected bony armor scutes beneath the skin of the back of the gator.  There in NO leather or skin on these.  The white bone is then hand painted DARK BLACK to look like the gator's natural skin.

#G467-5

Black painted back, measures 4' 6" (54")

$100

JUST THE NATURAL scutes (connected bone armor) of the entire top of the gator from head to tail, most unpainted or treated as described. Amazing.  A great teaching tool for biology classes, museums, aquariums, reptile parks, and national parks with an alligator population.

Never have we had or seen gator tongues on the market.

We've got 'em!

Great for leather craftsmen & women, for making bags, purses, hat, inlay smaller pieces into your work, and what ever else you can think of.  Great texture, make people guess what it is!

Perfect gift for your sappy friends that talk too much.

Photos of front and back.

#G470-1

12" long x 6-1/2" wide  $60  SOLD

#G470-20

10" long x 8" wide  $75  SOLD

#G470-43

14-1/4" long x 7-3/4" wide  $90  SOLD

#G470-61

12-1/2" long x 12" wide

$120  SOLD

#G470-70

13" long x 9-1/4" wide

$130  SOLD

#G470-80

13" long x 10" wide

$135

#G470-90

14" long x 11" wide

$140  SOLD

These scraps may not be usable for making leather accessories, but is perfect as an educational item or genuine gator collectible.

Here's an example of what we have to choose from - top hide with scutes, belly hide, even tongue pieces

Yup.  This is the unique section of leather from the underbelly of the gator where the gator excretes, and performs sexual functions.  It resembles a sewn button hole. Also called a "cloacal opening" better known as a butt hole.  This is a family site, let's keep it clean.  And yes, we will find a way to recycle EVERY part of the alligator.  Educational:  Yes.  Hilarious?  That too.

#G472-2

5-3/4" wide x 5-1/4" longest

$45  SOLD

#G472-9

10-1/2” long x 4” wide

$40  SOLD

Here's what we're starting with - partial skulls, ribs, feet, vertebrae, leg bones

Connected shoulder bones, ribs, vertebrae (missing head, feet and rest of tail), about 4 feet long

#G-475 $400  SOLD

EXOTIC LEATHER ACCESSORIES

This is ETHAN from North Carolina who has more than a fascination for the real gator taxidermy mounts we have for sale in the shop (see the Gators category, page 2).  He kept coming back to sit with them, and showed NO FEAR of them at all. But of course he has a Triceratops on his T-shirt, maybe he was figuring out a way to EAT one! We're already calling him the Gator Boy, who knows what HE'S going to be when he grows up?

GLENN SUSTAINED A VICIOUS GATOR ATTACK...

he struggled valiantly...

but finally gave up to the power of the gator...or took a nap, I'm not sure which

We received these photos via a forwarded email, a truly unique

GATOR MOTORCYCLE"GATORBIKE" or "CAJUN BIKE"

Huntington Beach State Park, south of Myrtle Beach SC has fascinating marshes to watch wildlife.  This six foot alligator was slithering through the mud at low tide with pure pleasure.  Unwary photographers could find a gator right at their feet if they're not observant.  Living dinosaurs.

This shows one wide view from the walkway.  The gator looks like a piece of driftwood, except it's moving and there's no current...

Knock knock, who's there?

TWO PIECE GATOR WALL MOUNT

INCREDIBLE!

9 foot gator.

MARCH 2010 for $3850  SOLD

Is Glenn a casualty or just a measuring stick?  Or asleep?

Tag #0138384;  This magnificent full body taxidermy alligator measures 9'10" long (89"). 12" from center of eye to tip of nose, head is 6-1/2" wide; widest part of body is 15" across.

$3600.00 plus actual Fedex freight insured charges.

SOLD to BOURBON STREET Restaurant, New York City

 We left for a slingshot trip to the City Thursday night & Friday to deliver this 10 foot gator taxidermy mount to a buyer there.  We delivered it at 1:30 p.m. right in the heart of the Theater District on 46th Street on Good Friday, the New Orleans themed restaurant is called 

BOURBON STREET

We drew quite a crowd to see all the OTHER gator items we had brought. But since we were parked in a cockeyed position (no parking spaces, of course)

we spent just a few minutes inside.  I'm sure once they position him at his best, he will be quite impressive!  The restaurant is beautiful, two stories high, with wrought iron railings, a huge wooden mantel behind the bar, Mr. Gator on the right hand side. A real re-creation of the flavor of New Orleans.

Gator skeletons are difficult to obtain, even partial ones.  So this is a great and unusual offering!

7+ feet long

$500  SOLD

4-1/2 feet long

$325  SOLD

GATOR SKELETON

Look, Ma - no hands!  No feet!  This is our latest acquisition, a five foot ten inch American Alligator skeleton, fully articulated.  After being legally caught in Florida, skinned and eaten, it was exposed to dermastid beetles that ate the skeleton clean.  It was then reassembled and then shipped in four boxes (some assembly required!) and Glenn is finishing up the legs and a few rib bones - gator surgery!  Good thing we had the extra table just then.  Skeleton articulated by Steve Huskey. SOLD

This is 8 feet long with a 25" wide belly.

Below the wall belly skin is this 9-1/2 to 10 foot, full gator mount; in the pose with the curved tail, it measures 7 feet long.

Hide with head that is drying on their garage wall

More gator skins completed (above)

Other gator skins & mounts:

More photos of other items on the Latest Travels page for October 2005

GATOR BELLY SKINS, including a HUGE 14' skin

(these are sold, display only)

#G-450  Alligator belly rug mount is 9'2" long x 35" wide; because this tail is so big, this is a real workable piece of gator leather, tail is 19" x 60".  This gator was so huge, a portion of the head and tail were used as a trophy mounts.

$1150  SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the continental 48 states)

Normally this would have been a $3,000 hide if complete.

The head alone sold for $1,000.

#G-452  Alligator rug mount is 8' long x 26" wide; black felt backing; tag #0625749. 

$2140 SOLD, Chris

Here's another beautiful 7-1/2 foot gator rug!

$1900 SOLD to David in Texas

 Full taxidermy mount of a five foot gator (photographed from both sides) that stands 28" tall, dressed as a golfer complete with golf club, Tee shirt, straw hat, necklace and bracelet, ready to tee off the ball from a stained & varnished plywood base covered with artificial grass.  What a hoot for the golf enthusiast, or for a golf store or taxidermy shop!THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS usually $1200-1800

SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS ADDITIONAL, BASED UPON DESTINATION WITHIN THE 48 STATES

$850.00  SOLD

Same as above (a twin?) same size, photographed from both sides.THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS usually $1200-1800

SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS ADDITIONAL, BASED UPON DESTINATION WITHIN THE 48 STATES

$850.00  SOLD

This is a picture of when it was being cleaned and tanned.

RARE HUGE SIZE Alligator rug mount is 10'6" long x 35-1/2" wide; tag #0622370. $2978  SOLD, Nick

Our SMALLEST gator skin rug (rare, this died of natural causes) measures 34-3/4" long.  $575 SOLD

Our SECOND SMALLEST gator skin rug measures 49-1/2" long x 10-3/4" wide through the body, superb, no flaws.  $975  SOLD

Genuine, Full alligator skin rug 

4' 9" long x 14" at the widest part of skin; backed with brown felt, SUPERB work, without flaw; FLORIDA

$1099

price includes shipping & insurance within the 48 states  SOLD to Robert in Minnesota

Another gator skin rug, almost 8 feet long, SOLD to a customer in FL, shipped 10/2/09

Genuine, Full alligator skin rug is 73" long x 17-1/2" at the widest part of skin, backed with brown felt; SUPERB work, without flaw; FLORIDA.  That's over 6 feet of gator.

SOLD to Cornelia 4/13/05

Full alligator BELLY SKIN rug is a full 63" long, prime skin.  $575.00

SOLD to James

Belly skin measures 3'5" x 13" widest. This is soft & pliable (no felt backing, just natural leather; four small suede patches for minor natural holes), suitable for leather working, or a great wall or floor display.

$375  SOLD 

 

Full taxidermy EIGHT FOOT alligator is mounted on a stained, varnished plywood base.  No flaws.

THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS $4500-8000

Glenn built a crate of 1/2" plywood and we delivered it to the Fedex freight truck during Tropical Storm Bonnie

$2800  SOLD

Full taxidermy mount of gator is also 64" long (5'4") mounted on a stained, varnished plywood base.  No flaws.

THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS $2000-3500

SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS ADDITIONAL, BASED UPON DESTINATION WITHIN THE 48 STATES

$1500.00  SOLD (Bill, Illinois)

Full taxidermy mount of half an alligator is 35" long x 25" across the arms, mounted on a stained, varnished plywood base wall mount that is 20" high.  What a catch!

THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS $1800-3000

SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS ADDITIONAL, BASED UPON DESTINATION WITHIN THE 48 STATES

$1500.00  SOLD 9/7/04

DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY...enjoy!

This specimen, Paleosuchus palepebrosus, measures 18" X 10" X 3" poised in this defensive posture.  The animal is 24" long and the skull is 5 1/2" long.  What makes this unique is that every dermal scute is intact, as well as every rib (even the floaters), digit, and tooth.  There is some remaining skin on some of the scutes simply because any further work at removing it will likely disarticulate them. Besides, it adds 'life' to the skeleton by adding color that is not leached into the bone. Skeleton articulated by Steve Huskey. DISPLAY ONLY

   

This is a fully articulated Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus.  It measures 16" long X 6.5" wide X 2" tall (19" long if straightened).  The skull measures 3.5" X 1.5" X 2".  It's a beautiful bone-white color and has every bone and tooth intact.  Amazing to think this animal could have reached 20 feet long and weighed as much as 700 pounds - and could kill just about anything.  Skeleton articulated by Steve Huskey. DISPLAY ONLY

#G-401.  Full taxidermy 5'4" (64") long alligator mounted on a stained, varnished plywood base.  No flaws.THIS IS A WHOLESALE PRICE, FOLKS, RETAIL IS usually $2000

SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM IS ADDITIONAL, BASED UPON DESTINATION WITHIN THE 48 STATES

$1200.00  SOLD to Peter

This is a picture of when it was being flattened and completed

Alligator rug mount is 6'5" long x 23-1/2" wide; tag #0622281.

$1550  SOLD to Chris

 

  This is a picture while they were completing the taxidermy of the skin

And trying to fit it into our van:

Alligator skin rug mount is 6' 3" long x 18-1/2" wide; tag #0634120. 

$1450  SOLD to Brock

#G-453  Alligator rug mount is 9' long x 28-1/2" wide; tag #0622320. 

$2545  SOLD

#G-455  Awesome SADDLE BROWN color gator belly skin with skutes on sides; measures 8 ft 6 inches long x 29 inches wide. This is soft & pliable (no felt backing, just natural leather), suitable for motorcycle seats, leather working, etc. or a great wall or floor display. (Broom in photo is 51" long.)

$1000.00  SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the continental 48 states)

RARE HUGE SIZE Alligator belly skin, dyed dark brown, very supple, is 11' 4" long x 31" wide; 9 natural holes.  We suggest displaying the entire skin because of the awesome size, rather than cutting for leather work. 

$1335  SOLD to Palmetto Grill, Boca Grande FL

#G-451  Gator belly measures 4'5" x 11" widest; four small minor natural holes), without tail tip, suitable for leather working, or a great wall or floor display.

$475 SOLD

(includes shipping & insurance anywhere in the continental 48 states)

#G-453  This Alligator rug mount (no felt backing) was 6' 10" long

$1800  SOLD

#G-453-A  Alligator rug mount is 5' 6" long x 17" wide through the body; tag #0808455; black felt backing, heavy metal loop for wall hanging, can be removed.

$1400  SOLD

#G-460  Large beautiful rich DENIM BLUE belly skin, measures 8 ft 3-1/2" long x 24" widest part.  This is a soft, pliable, supple leather  (no felt backing, just natural leather), suitable for motorcycle seats, any leather working, or a great wall or floor display.  Photos do not do justice.

$1,000 SOLD