During the 19th century almost every house that could afford to, would have a piece of Taxidermy. It was extremely popular and was used to show off somebody's wealth by having the largest and the most exotic creatures. Sometimes these would be cased as they were quite fragile if handled.
 
This is a good example of a case bird, namely a Hawfinch, it is in its original ebonised case with the original foliage in place. On the back is the original label from the company who specialised in Taximermy in York, England  "E Allen and co".
 
The case is good and sound with very minor scuffs, the bird has a couple of losses to small feathers, and a small gap below the beak.
 
Dimensions: 31cm square x 13cm deep