Hi Brandy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The Birds of America by John James Audubon (published 1827–1838) is one of the most significant works in natural history, for several reasons. It was issued in “double elephant folio" sheets and the plates were life-sized—birds depicted at actual scale - this had been rarely attempted before and never on such a grand scope. Each plate was engraved (primarily by Robert Havell Jr.) and then hand-colored, making every copy a labor-intensive production.

Audubon portrayed birds in lively, natural poses—hunting, feeding, or in motion—rather than the stiff, scientific profiles typical of earlier works. It documented hundreds of North American species, including some not previously illustrated, contributing to ornithology as well as art.

"Cock of the Plains" (Plate 181 from The Birds of America) depicts the Greater Sage-Grouse—then little known to Eastern audiences. Its inclusion reflects the expanding geographic scope of American natural history into the western frontier.

The original sheets (measuring about 40 to 26-1/2 inches) were printed on paper made by English papermaker J. Whatman and bear his watermark. A full sized double elephant 'Cock of the Plains' print would probably sell at auction for between $3,000 and $5,000.

From the size of the sheet and plate mark, I believe this is from the Royal Octavo issue, which were made by various publishers in the mid to late 19th Century. The fading is commensurate with age. A print specialist in your area might be able to discern the watermark.

Hoffman-La Roche produced a 20th-century facsimile series (mid–late 1900s) that were often distributed as educational or promotional prints and printed on modern paper. At auction, this would probably bring between $40 and $60.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

After John James Audubon
"Cock of the Plains"
handcolored engraving, later published by Hoffman-Roche
Plate mark: 10-1/8 x 15-1/4 inches
Frame or sheet: 12 x 17-1/4 inches
CONDITION: faded
PROVENANCE: acquired at a secondhand-store
$40-60*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia