Cleaning a Cape Buffalo Mount

[Greenhead_Slayer]

We just received our crates from our May ’23 hunt, and so far I’ve only uncrated the cape buffalo. From a distance it looks great, but up close the face, bosses, and the area above the neck are extremely dirty. It’s almost as if a saw was used nearby and fine debris became embedded in those areas. I’ve tried using a soft-bristle vacuum attachment and carefully going over it, as well as using compressed air, but neither has worked very well. Does anyone have suggestions for cleaning it up?

One of the horns also appears to have rubbed against something during transport and has some light scratches. They don’t seem very deep, but they definitely don’t look good. Any tips for restoring the color or touching that up?

I realize these questions would normally be directed to the taxidermist, but due to their extremely poor communication and lack of support throughout the process, I’m not very motivated to reach out to them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mekaniks]

It does look like saw dust, likely from when they were building the crate.

Was it mounted in Africa? Do you have a taxidermist in the US?

 

[Greenhead_Slayer]

It does look like saw dust, likely from when they were building the crate.

Was it mounted in Africa? Do you have a taxidermist in the US?

It was mounted and crated in Africa. Good call on bumping a local taxidermist. I’ll give that a try. Thank you.

 

[Firebird]

Can you use a small wire brush-I have one that looks like a toothbrush but has brass bristles made for barbecue cleaning-it would work well for cleaning that up. You tried it but the vacuum with just the hose, no attachments would have been my first suggestion

 

[AZDAVE]

I would try a stiff tooth brush

 

[Africa1]

Loosen with a stiff toothbrush, then carefully vac off sawdust with attachment that narrows and helps strengthen suction. Problem solved! Light scratches on black horn can be darkened with a Sharpie permanent marking pen. Good luck and nice Buff! Congratulations! He's finally home! I'm looking forward to my pedestal mount Buff about this time next year IF I'm lucky! Merry Christmas!