Very early J. Cooper 28 Radnor Street, St Lukes preserved Roach dated 1857 – in flat glass display case with the early J. Cooper (founder) trade label and hand written label inscribed “Taken by Mr D Newbold, at the Rye House, 18th Nov’r 1857 Wgt 1lb 6.5oz” – overall 11.25 x 16.5 x 3.75” Note John Cooper founded the business in the late 1830’s at 28 Radnor Street St Luke’s London and died at home in September 1872. Leaving his house and business to his only son John who had already developed into a fine fish taxidermist - hence it is extremely rare to find a Cooper pre-1872. Fish from the early period through to the end of the 1920’s have pale blue backs and appear to have been painted less vividly than in life although this may to some extent be due to natural fading. From the late 1920’s early 1930’s there was dramatic change as all cases from then on had pale green backs. Hence the above fish by all means and purpose would appear to from the early Vic period.