ANTIQUE WOOD CARVING SCULPTURE, BUTTLER, ANIMAL w/TRAY
INCREDIBLE ONE-OF-A-KIND, UNIQUE, HAND CARVED /FINISHED
| Start Price |
USD 2,900.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 2,900.00 |
| Time Left |
- |
| Bid Count |
0 |
| Buy It Now Price |
- |
| Reserve Price |
- |
| Start Time |
Thursday, June 26, 2008 |
| End Time |
Sunday, July 06, 2008 |
| Location |
Phila., Pa. |
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See more about 'ANTIQUE WOOD CARVING SCULPTURE, BUTTLER, ANIMAL w/TRAY '
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Description
this is an auction for one . . . . . . . . . MAGNIFICENT ANTIQUE WOOD CARVING SCUPLTURE MONKEY BUTTLER with INLAY TRAY . WE SHIP WORLD-WIDE !! PRICE REDUCED PER REQUEST FROM WATCHER.... FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.... FIRST BUYER TAKES ALL. Note: One reference source estimated this carving could bring in the range of $10-15,000 in a live auction... who knows?. HISTORY: This work of art is truly something special and has majestically been there for me day after day in my office, overseeing my world. We acquired him at a huge, diverse collection estate auction from a world-class collector about 40 years ago (expensive bidding even then)....spent a small fortune that day on a few superb items. After the sale, two collectors tried very persuasivly to purchase this Buttler figure from us at substantial profit, but I fell in love with the majesty and craftsmanship and brought him home. After turning down one offer from a collector or dealer, he informed us that this figure was custom- created around 1930 as part of a three-set imported from Europe for a famous family here in the U.S. Feel free to contact us for the I.D. of the famous family (Van_erb_ ilt) that we were told was the original owner. We have no documentation regarding this information..We have long lost the informative person's contact info as we had no intention of selling. . OF PERSONAL NOTE: You will find it impressive to examine the attention to finish, proportions and flow of dynamics ... almost expect him to take a step forward! Details articulate from the toe nails and fur refief from head to toe ... ready-to-speak mouth expression, blousing shirt-vest pockets & color fills. Our pictures do not truly capture the quiet, stately personality and grace that is present in person. This wonderful artwork easily becomes the focus of a room, especially with a pronounced setting, even more so with correct down & fill lighting. A beautiful credit to a craftsmanship era long past. Most every visitor makes effort to examine and comment. There is hidden woodgrain that is just barely visible when examining the smooth finish of the upper, rear jacket area. INTERESTING?? ->> We often thought of replacing the base with one about 2 ft. x 2 ft. and covered with miniature black and white glossy ceramic tiles in either checkerboard or herring bone pattern ... to emulate a sophisticated mansion marble flooring. Perhaps, even creating a B & W sunburst pattern, such as crossing an elegant palace foyer. Interesting note -- --His eyes appear to have brown iris and black pupils, under the right lights (see frontal head pic).... gives me the impression that he is actually, watching over me ..... hard to explain. Mr. Buttler was kept clean behind glass most of the time. Sometimes brought out as a consultant for business matters and he always seemed to agree with our pending decisions! He always took pride in holding some very large client checks from time-to-time until we had the opportunity to deposit. So, I guess you could say he can be trusted with high-value finances! . CONDITION & DESCRIPTION: 1- This figure has weathered the ages without any cracking, checking or other grain deteriorations typical of many wood carvings. I assume the wood used is very hard. The tray is in fantastic shape for its age but does show small signs of aging. The figure was never refinished in our possession. We had him attended when first acquired by an antique carvings specialist. I assume he cleaned, detailed, and the chipped tray edges, etc. touched up . 2- Buttler body and head appear to be one piece. Each arm was apparently created separately and accurately attached. One tiny, rounded nail head protrudes to the outside of each top arm- shoulder round. Each leg appears to have a joint edge hidden under the coat recess but creates the appearance of all one piece. The underside of the coat is also original gold-leaf ... excellent attention to detai ... very, very nice. 3- Please examine the detail: wavy hair; eyelashes; open mouth, teeth, etc. are expertly reliefed with reasonably well preserved color finishes ... absolutly eye-catching! Inner mouth, ears, etc. have painted colorations that add to the personality mystique. 4- The vest has gold and blue painted finish in really great condition ... incredible for age. Vest has two small buttons missing: one top collar button and one top shirt button ... not quickly discerable, may never have been there. The rear coat-tail has a few very minor scuffs on a few sharp edges. 5- The impressive formal long coat has carved edge piping around the entire perimeter and french cuffs, most of which still sports gold-leaf fill and may have been touched up by our specialist. There is hidden woodgrain, just barely visible when examining the smooth upper rear jacket area in strong light. 6- The inlay tray has some of the tiny inlay pieces missing (as we got him), noticeable when up close in good light. It has a beautiful design, both intricate painting of grasses & reeds and assorted surface inlays forming the leaves, water ripples, flowers, duck, bird, & butterfly. Most of the missing tiny inlay chips seem to be from the areas designed to reflect as water ripples ... I'm sure a skilled artisan could replace these if important to you. The tray has some finish puckering at cord holes and perimeter frame edging & inner corners ... generally unnoticeable when not very close to view. The underside of the tray has few spots of finish bubbling and forward under-corners are chipped ... these are not normally visible. 7- The tray is loosely attached to the buttler jacket front with one small screw (from before our possession), not likely original to the creation but is visible up close. I was not happy with this, but wished NOT to alter anything. See the picture of hands holding tray from the fugure's right side ... screw head is visible at top left, middle of tray. Top finish layer under the screw head is chipped away & touched up. I assume the original owner may have used this figure in a foyer and left mail on the tray, which would possibly tilt if hung only by the cords. 8- The cord holding the tray to carved hand openings looks to be original. 9- The base has one centered age crack beside the forward foot as visible in pics. The base may or may not be original to the creation, but stability without it might not be possible. There are several minor impact dings on the vertical sides all around. .. DIMENSIONS: FIGGURE HEIGHT = 20.5 in. TOTAL HIGHT = 22.75 in. (with base) TOTAL FIGGURE DEPTH. APPROX. 16.5 in. (front edge of tray to tip of coat-tail) TRAY: WIDTH = 14.25 in.; DEPTH = 9.75 in. (total width) BASE: WIDTH = 8 in.; DEPTH = 12 in.; HEIGHT = 2.2 in. . SHIPPING -- Due to this art work's delicate issues, we prefer to personally deliver, or arrange pick-up, if possible. For shipping, we suggest shipping this special creation via FED-EX Express and will determine the shipping costs after the auction and to be in agreement with the buyer and at their expense. Insurrance is required, of course. Packaging should include double boxing, multi-layered / specialized materials/padding and internal moisture seal. Process will be video taped in the improbable event of insurance claim. Note -- We are very experienced at shipping both heavy & delicate, expensive analog video production electronics equipment from the sales of our prior D-2, DCT, VPR decks, BVM monitors, etc. after we consolidated locations. Shipping costs out of the U.S. 48 will be determined ONLY after exact address is disclosed by the winner, etc. . IMPORTANT NOTES -- Payment methods accepted -- Funds transfers, Cash, Business check, Cashier's Check, U.S. Postal Money Orders. Overseas purchase must be via bank funds transfer in full before shipping or cash upon pick-up by assigned agent. No exceptions. Shipping will be arranged by separate arrangements & payment. Sorry, no Pay-Pal for this gem. Any check, including certified bank check, must clear as funds paid before we pack & ship. Only the ANTIQUE WOOD CARVING, MONKEY BUTTLER WITH TRAY, as described in this add is for auction. Any other equipment shown is NOT included in this auction or for sale. If convenient, this unit may be inspected prior to bidding by appointment only. We are located just North of Phila., Pa. Reason for selling -- NOT COLLECTING CARVINGS ANYMORE, closed my office. We WILL CANCEL any bid if bidder has less than 10 positive feedbacks or any negative feedback, or "private" with hidden I.D OR IS OVERSEAS OR HAS A PAYMENT SCAM..... If your feedback is questionable, contact us before bidding. We are not responsible or warantee in any way for the misuse or intended purpose of this equipment by the buyer or anybody. Unit will be video taped in detail and in packing process before shipping in the unlikely event of insurance claims. Pick up is possible by appointment only. Delivery is possible for additional fair time and expenses costs. All evaluations are our interpretations based on personal experience (and information shared from experts). We are trying to be as detailed and honest as we can. We welcome any and all information and questions. All sales are final -- strict 48 hr inspection period & to notify us of shipping problem or damage. This auction equipment is for sale locally and may be removed at any time unless won by bid.
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