Scarce Oddities

Taxidermist in West Boylston, Massachusetts

5(1 reviews)
(508) 835-8099370 Worcester St, West Boylston, MA 01583View on Yelp
Scarce Oddities - taxidermy in West Boylston, MA

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About Scarce Oddities

Scarce Oddities in West Boylston, Massachusetts blends antiques dealing with taxidermy in a way that appeals to collectors who want more than a standard trophy on the wall. West Boylston sits near the Wachusett Reservoir, a quiet central Massachusetts town with a history that draws people who appreciate unusual, well-made things. With a perfect 5-star rating from its reviewed customers, this shop has made a strong early impression. It's the kind of place where a vintage mount and a curiosity cabinet piece exist comfortably side by side.

Services

Antiques
Taxidermy

Services & Process

Scarce Oddities offers taxidermy alongside antique goods, making it a destination for collectors seeking finished pieces as much as custom work. You're likely to find preserved specimens, antique mounts, and decorative natural history pieces available for purchase. Custom taxidermy orders are also taken for customers who want a specific animal preserved. The antique side of the business means they may also restore or appraise older mounts, which is a rare skill that serious collectors genuinely value.

Service Area

Scarce Oddities serves West Boylston and the broader central Massachusetts region, including Worcester, Sterling, and Princeton. Collectors and hunters from across Worcester County make the trip for their unique combination of taxidermy and antiques. The shop's location near Route 12 makes it reasonably accessible from much of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you sell finished taxidermy pieces, or only do custom work?
Scarce Oddities carries existing inventory that includes antique and vintage taxidermy pieces alongside custom work. If you're looking to purchase a finished mount or preserved specimen without waiting for custom work, it's worth calling to ask what's currently in stock. Their antique inventory changes regularly.
Can you restore an old or damaged taxidermy mount?
Restoration of older mounts is a specialty that pairs naturally with their antiques background. Common restoration work includes repairing damaged forms, repainting faded features, and replacing deteriorated glass eyes. Call ahead to describe the piece and get a sense of whether restoration is feasible.
What makes antique taxidermy different from modern work?
Antique taxidermy, particularly Victorian-era pieces, often used different preservation methods and materials than modern work, which affects both appearance and longevity. Older mounts can have a distinct aesthetic that collectors prize, but they may also require careful handling. Scarce Oddities understands both the historical and practical sides of these pieces.
Is taxidermy legal to buy and sell in Massachusetts?
Most taxidermy involving legally harvested game animals or antique specimens is legal to buy and sell. However, certain species protected under federal or state law, including many migratory birds, have restrictions. A shop like Scarce Oddities that deals in antique pieces is well-versed in what can legally change hands.
Do you work with fish or bird mounts, or primarily mammals?
Taxidermists who also deal in natural history antiques often work across a range of species including birds, fish, and small mammals. It's worth contacting Scarce Oddities directly at (508) 835-8099 to discuss your specific piece or project. Their inventory may reflect whatever specimens are currently available or requested.
How do I care for a taxidermy piece I've purchased?
Keep mounts out of direct sunlight, which fades fur and feathers over time, and away from high humidity environments. Dust regularly with a soft brush rather than sprays or cloths that can damage delicate features. A shop with antiques experience can give you specific guidance based on the age and materials of your particular piece.

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