Vintage African Nile Crocodile Hide Pelt 173cm c1960s Full Body Skin

Key Details

Item: Full crocodile skin / pelt

Animal: Crocodile

Species: Believed Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Origin: Africa

Era: c.1960s

Material: Genuine crocodilian hide

Colour: Very dark brown / black

Length: Approx. 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) from head to tail

Form: Lightweight, unmounted full-body pelt retaining head, legs and long tail

Use: Natural history collectable / decorative display / vintage curiosity

Provenance: Brought from Africa during the 1960s, according to the history accompanying the piece

Documentation: No original export, permit or CITES documentation accompanies the pelt

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Mini Story or Hook

A remarkable vintage African crocodile pelt dating from circa the 1960s, believed to be from a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

Measuring an impressive 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) from head to tail, this lightweight, unmounted hide was brought from Africa during the 1960s and has now survived for more than half a century.

The pelt retains the highly recognisable full-body silhouette, including the head, broad body, legs and long tapering tail. Particularly striking are the natural scale formations, from the broad rectangular belly scales through to the heavily textured sides and prominent tail scutes.

With its considerable age, substantial size and African provenance, this is an unusual natural-history collectable and a dramatic conversation or display piece.

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Condition

Condition: Vintage condition with age-related wear and losses – please see detailed notes below.

This is an approximately 60-year-old crocodile pelt and displays considerable age and character.

* Overall pelt remains substantially complete from head through to tail.

* Measures approximately 173 cm overall.

* Lightweight and relatively easy to handle and display.

* Strong and distinctive natural scale pattern remains visible throughout.

* Long tail remains substantially intact with prominent rectangular scutes.

* Age-related dryness, surface wear, scuffing, marks and discolouration are present.

* Splits, tears and losses are present, particularly around the legs and central body area.

* Some edges are worn, irregular or incomplete.

* Areas of the underlying/reverse hide are exposed where losses have occurred.

* Has not been professionally restored or conserved by Vintage HQ.

* Identification as Nile crocodile is based on its African provenance and appearance but has not been independently verified.

* No original documentation accompanies the pelt.

The age-related wear and losses are clearly shown in the photographs and form part of the history and character of this unusual vintage piece.

📸 The photos form part of the description – please examine them closely, particularly the areas of wear, splitting and loss.

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Provenance & Age

According to the history accompanying the piece, this crocodile pelt was brought from Africa during the 1960s, placing its acquisition well before the commencement of CITES in 1975.

No original import/export paperwork survives with the pelt, and Vintage HQ makes no representation beyond the provenance provided with the piece regarding its precise species or regulatory status.

Offered for sale within Australia only.

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Postage & Handling

📦 Australia-wide postage available.

Despite its impressive 173 cm overall length, the pelt is relatively lightweight and will be carefully packaged for shipping.

Local pickup is also available from Vintage HQ Heidelberg.

All items are carefully wrapped and packaged to ensure they arrive safely at their new forever home.

Combined postage available – contact us before purchasing for a revised invoice.

No international shipping is offered on this item.

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Need to Know More?

Have questions or need more photos? We’re happy to help! Just message us and we’ll get back to you promptly.

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Other Info

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