A MONUMENTAL PAIR OF 'IRISH ELK' OR GIANT DEER ANTLERS (MEGALOCEROS GIGANTEUS) IN PART PLEISTOCENE PERIOD, CIRCA 10,500BC TO 8,000BC, AND LATERWith fourteen points, central skull mounted on backplate, painted surface approximately 347cm wide, 128cm high overall The Giant Deer or 'Irish Elk' lived during the Pleistocene Period. The species probably originated in Siberia but migrated westward at the end of the Last Glacial Period. The largest concentration of remains of the species have been found in Ireland, chiefly in the calcium carbonate rich blue marl soil underlying bogland.From the 16th century onwards there are records of these mammoth ancient antlers being used to decorate feasting and banqueting halls. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire holds a set that were sent from Ireland in 1597 and in the 19th century- the taste for 'Baronial' style dining led to a brisk and lucrative trade in amateur and professional excavation and sale of these magnificent antlers.A related pair of antlers presented to Sir Robert Peel by the people of Ireland was sold by The Earl Peel, Christie's London, 6 April 2000, lot 210.Another pair originally from Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow, sold anonymously, Christie's London, 14 June 2001, lot 5. A set, formerly from The Dukes of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Chester, thence by descent until sold and acquired by the late Captain G. Kenneth Whitehead, sold Sotheby's London, 8 June 2005, lot 79.

These prehistoric 'Irish elk' antlers have inevitably been restored- the whole with later painted finish and wood replacement sections including antler tips- two inset metal patches