News - Original skin mount of one of world's most famous fish to be auctioned off 72 years after being caught

One of the world’s most famous fish is set to sell for up to £40,000, 72 years after she was caught, reports The Telegraph. Clarissa the Carp weighed a record-breaking 44lbs when she was landed by renowned angler and author Richard Walker, on Sept 12, 1952. The catch is considered the single most important event in carp-fishing history and paved the way for modern-day angling. Clarissa broke the previous record by nearly 13lbs and she went on to live at ZSL London Zoo Aquarium until 1972. Her record stood for 28 years until a fish weighing 51½ lbs was caught in 1980 at the same location, Bernithan Pool, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Now, the original skin mount of Clarissa is set to go under the hammer on July 24 and 25, at Mullock Jones, in Shropshire, with an estimate of £35,000 to £40,000. The fish is mounted in a glazed, bow-fronted case, with gilt writing and border, set in a naturalistic reed and gravel setting. Originally mounted by a taxidermist for £80, it was restored in 2011.