The mystery of a missing 130-year-old fox has been solved.
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After an inexplicable disappearance almost 30 years ago Mrs Fox has finally returned home.
The stuffed and mounted animal first came to Australia in 1886 where she was displayed in the window of a boot and repair shop at 449 Argyle Street, Moss Vale.
After adorning the windows of various shops in Moss Vale for more than 100 years, the eye-catching character disappeared in 1990.
That was until history buff David Baxter learnt from a friend the infamous fox had found its way to an antique store near Tweed Heads.
Without a second thought he jumped at the opportunity to return it to its rightful resting place in the Highlands.
After a nod of permission from his wife Maree, David got into his car at 3:20am and travelled the 20 hours to retrieve the stuffed animal.
When asked why he went to such great lengths David replied "the fox was Moss Vale."
Clearly price was no obstacle as David reclaimed the piece of history for a tidy $1200.
"She's finally come back home again," David said.
He is also keen to share the story of how Mrs Fox made her home in Moss Vale.
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David said she hailed from Shropshire in England before she was shot.
The English fox was immortalised by taxedermist Charles William Lloyd and is depicted with a pheasant, crouched upon rocks which were constructed out of leather.
David formed an affinity with the fox because he related to a long connection with Moss Vale.
The town first became home to his family in 1834.
"I just love Moss Vale history," he said.
"I've always collected stuff."
David's shed is stuffed to the brim with historical artefacts.
His collection includes more than 9000 Southern Highlands newspapers.
Even David's home is steeped in family history.
The house was built by his father-in-law in the 1950s.
David hopes to write a book on the history of Moss Vale and his family.
"I'd like to get that done before I fall off my perch."