World-famous carp could fetch up to £40,000, 70 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.

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.

Ben Jones, from the auction house, said it was “arguably the most important preserved specimen carp” in the world.

He added: “Five known cast replica copies were produced by Williams, with this being the original unique specimen.

“The capture of Clarissa the record breaking 44lb carp in 1952 propelled Richard Walker into the record books and carp fishing royalty for life.”

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 by Barry Williams, of Cannock, Staffs.