In a cellophane "prison" for 47 years
Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:51 pm
Last year I had a chance to pick up a piece of Entomology
memorabilia from ebay. It is a "collectors kit" which was
produced by NSI (Natural Science Industries) which is just
another name for The Butterfly Company which existed in
New York throughout the 1960's, 1970's, and up to the mid-
1980's. Many clients here in the U.S. purchased specimens
from there for years.
The Butterfly Company also sold a limited supply of various
insect supplies, nets, books, and this all-in-one (kit) which
was offered on a supplemental page in their catalog.
I saw this offered last year and purchased it as I never purchased
it when I could have (back in the day). It is a complete kit
and I marveled at the fact that it had sat around (likely) somebody's
attic or basement for 47 years ! It is completely original.
I quickly noticed some butterfly specimens present (which you
can see in the picture). All were in (clear) cellophane envelopes
and sealed into one neat pack. Of coarse, the movements of
the other supplies contained within the box contributed to most
all of the butterflies being (largely) damaged or crushed EXCEPT
for one....
I took this singular un-damaged butterfly to my relaxer and spread
it easily a day later. This particular kit has a 1975 date on it in small
print. So, that puts the specimen to (at least) 47 years of age when
it was initially enclosed in the kit and the time I purchased it last
year.
So, after some 47 years of a "cellophane" prison this butterfly once
again gets to show it colors and beauty to be appreciated.
This is Melanitis leda ismene (as listed on the back of the sealed packet).
Underside
It still has all its legs present....
Upperside
Yes, hardly the best example (topside) !
Yes, no specific data attached to it either.
However, "special" because in all the movements of that kit
over all those years it managed to STAY intact for someone
to "free-it" one day and admire it for its longevity and simple
beauty.
memorabilia from ebay. It is a "collectors kit" which was
produced by NSI (Natural Science Industries) which is just
another name for The Butterfly Company which existed in
New York throughout the 1960's, 1970's, and up to the mid-
1980's. Many clients here in the U.S. purchased specimens
from there for years.
The Butterfly Company also sold a limited supply of various
insect supplies, nets, books, and this all-in-one (kit) which
was offered on a supplemental page in their catalog.
I saw this offered last year and purchased it as I never purchased
it when I could have (back in the day). It is a complete kit
and I marveled at the fact that it had sat around (likely) somebody's
attic or basement for 47 years ! It is completely original.
I quickly noticed some butterfly specimens present (which you
can see in the picture). All were in (clear) cellophane envelopes
and sealed into one neat pack. Of coarse, the movements of
the other supplies contained within the box contributed to most
all of the butterflies being (largely) damaged or crushed EXCEPT
for one....
I took this singular un-damaged butterfly to my relaxer and spread
it easily a day later. This particular kit has a 1975 date on it in small
print. So, that puts the specimen to (at least) 47 years of age when
it was initially enclosed in the kit and the time I purchased it last
year.
So, after some 47 years of a "cellophane" prison this butterfly once
again gets to show it colors and beauty to be appreciated.
This is Melanitis leda ismene (as listed on the back of the sealed packet).
Underside
It still has all its legs present....
Upperside
Yes, hardly the best example (topside) !
Yes, no specific data attached to it either.
However, "special" because in all the movements of that kit
over all those years it managed to STAY intact for someone
to "free-it" one day and admire it for its longevity and simple
beauty.