One of three crocodiles passed on Tuesday at Cordy's auction house in Remuera after failing to attract a buyer. Cordy's believes it is probably about sixty years old. Photo / Supplied
A stud crocodile's decapitated head is among the unusual pieces spending time at a Remuera auction house this summer.
Fenella Tonkin of Cordy's Auction House says three crocodiles arrived this week.
The stuffed reptiles are still looking for a new owner after failing to sell when put under the hammer on Tuesday.
One crocodile head is also looking for a new home.
Tonkin says the predator is believed to come from good stock. "Apparently it came from a stud crocodile at a farm."
Cordy's believes it was probably about 60 years old.
Tonkin says a reasonable amount to pay for a crocodile is usually $500 to $1000. The current batch of crocs will stay off the market, probably until the New Year.
Stuffed animals from old big-game hunter collections are in high demand.
Dozens of moose heads have found buyers this year and a beaver skin is for sale tomorrow.
Tonkin says silver ornaments and animal-themed jewellery pieces are also popular with antique hunters and Christmas gift-buyers this summer.
Toll rises from an apparent mass poisoning in Laos tourist town of Vang Vieng. Video / TVNZ