The Surinamese Kingfisher Bird With The Swallow Tail Engraved In 1749
£752 per item
Based on our pricing data, this item is above the recommended price.
Shopping at Vinterior
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Outstanding customer service
-
Secure payment
-
Buyer protection
-
Trees planted for every purchase

Item details
Height
37.0 cm
Width
25.0 cm
Wear conditions
Good
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Description
This engraving is from the Johann Michael Seligmann's collection, based on the works of George Edwards that was published in 1743.
The text in the image is in both German and Latin, with a French name included as well, which was a common practice in natural history works of the time to cater to a broad European audience.
Here’s the transcription and translation of the visible text:
- "Tab. XIX." - This is shorthand for "Table 19," indicating the plate number in the collection.
- "Der Eisvogel mit dem Schwalbenschwanz." - In German, this means "The Kingfisher with the Swallow Tail."
- "ISPIDA. Surinamensis, binis plumis in cauda longissimis." - This Latin translates to "The Surinamese Kingfisher, with two very long feathers in the tail."
- "Le MARTIN-PESCHEVR à queue-tié Hirondele." - This is French for "The Swallow-tailed Kingfisher."
The image itself shows a bird with a long, forked tail, which is characteristic of the Swallow-tailed Kingfisher. The bird's plumage is depicted with vibrant colors, including shades of green and blue on the wings and back, and a reddish hue on the head and neck, indicative of the colorful nature of kingfishers. It's perched on a branch overhanging water, with a small boat and a building in the background, which suggests the bird's habitat might be near human settlements or in a landscape altered by human activity. The fine detail and artistry of the engraving are notable, capturing both the bird's elegance and the tranquility of its surroundings. This work exemplifies the blend of scientific interest and aesthetic appreciation that characterizes 18th-century natural history illustration.
Condition report:
Good Good condition with the original hand coloring still very vivid and vibrant. The paper is chain-lined with strong plate marks and watermark. General age related toning and minor foxing. Study the images carefully.
Additional dimensions information:
Height: 14.57 in Width: 9.85 in Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
Similar Prints
Similar Prints
Choose a Wishlist
Create Wishlist
- Selling at Vinterior since 2019
- 141 sales
- Ships from Langweer, Netherlands
Seller Reviews
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 24th March 2025
We want everybody’s Vinterior experience to be seamless, so both buyers and sellers can fall in love with pre-loved. We designed our Terms of sale to treat everybody fairly.
However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.
To prevent this, we encourage you to check listings, photos and descriptions carefully before you buy. If you aren’t sure about a piece’s condition, size, provenance or shipping, just ask; click Contact seller to get in touch. Always contact your seller first if you have any queries, at any point in your purchase.
Our buyers receive the same protection when buying from all our sellers, both professional and verified.
Can I cancel an order?
There are many reasons why you might need to cancel an order, and you'll often be entitled to a refund. To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
If you cancel your order before it has been dispatched, you will receive a full refund - including delivery costs. However, if your item has been shipped, delivery costs will not be included in your refund.
Please note: orders of bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
Can I return an order?
We understand that sometimes a piece isn’t the perfect fit. So if you no longer want your order, our returns process will ensure it finds a new home fast.
The Vinterior Guarantee included with your purchase entitles you to 14-day returns - allowing you to return any item within 14 days of the delivery date (except in specific circumstances, detailed below).
You can return your order if...
It isn't what you expected
If what arrives isn’t what you ordered, you can open a return. Just send us some photo evidence that the listing was inaccurate, misleading or misrepresented your purchased piece, and you’ll receive a refund.
You change your mind
If you don’t feel a piece is right for your space, you can return it. Once you request a change of mind return, you’ll be responsible for shipping the piece back to your seller as soon as possible. Delivery costs are non-refundable.
It's damaged in transit
In the rare event that an item arrives damaged or defective, you have a full 30 days from the date of delivery to return it for a full refund.
If your purchase arrives broken, always let us know. If Proovia delivered the piece, we can raise an insurance claim on the seller’s behalf. Or, the seller can raise a claim with their chosen courier.
What can't I return?
Just as there are some orders you can’t cancel, there are some you cant return, too. Personalised, bespoke or made-to-order pieces are non-returnable, and non-refundable. Sellers may also reject your return if the item has been altered in any way.
Please note: pieces on our site are pre-loved, not new. They may show some wear and tear; this is not sufficient grounds for a refund, unless the seller has misrepresented the item’s condition.
Lastly, neither Vinterior nor our sellers are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.
I'm eligible for a return. Now what?
To initiate a return, log into your Vinterior account, then go to the relevant order page and click Create a return. In the return request, be sure to include all the details: the reason for your return, an in-depth description, and photos of any issues or damage.
How will I receive my refund?
Once the seller confirms they’ve received the item (in the same condition it was sent), we will send your refund to your original payment method.
All items are inspected on return. If the seller receives the return with damage they don’t recognise, we will not be able to process your refund and the seller may need to send the piece back to you. You will be required to cover these delivery costs.