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Herman Tyler Munster here, presenting a genuine vintage Riker insect specimen mount filled with an entire supporting cast of winged, crawling, buzzing little performers!
This old natural-science display contains individually mounted and handwritten-labeled specimens, including a large spicebush swallowtail butterfly, moth, beetles, fly, honeybee, sweat bee, grasshopper, cockroach, damselfly, lacewing, and several other insects.
The reverse bears the original label from:
Ward’s Natural Science Establishment, Inc.
Rochester, New York
A faint handwritten locality appears to read Ohio, and the name Carol McClanahan is written along the back. This appears to have been assembled as a school, educational, or personal insect collection rather than being a modern decorative reproduction.
It has fantastic old classroom, natural-history museum, curiosity-cabinet, and slightly haunted science-laboratory energy. Frankly, I can already hear the dramatic organ music.
Condition
This display is vintage and shows age.
Several specimens have damage, missing portions, fading, or deterioration. The large butterfly has visible wing wear and loss. Some of the smallest specimens are incomplete or difficult to distinguish. The white interior backing has discoloration, debris, stray fibers, and general age-related wear. The exterior frame and reverse label also show wear.
The display has not been opened, cleaned, repaired, or rearranged. It is being sold exactly as found so the next curator may decide its fate.
Please examine every photograph carefully. With antique insects, condition is part science, part history, and part tiny theatrical tragedy.
🛠️ Herman’s Final Verdict:
A marvelously strange piece of vintage educational history—delicate, imperfect, dramatic, and ready for its next starring role.
