First of all, rare to find the original matching pair still together, and almost entirely intact. These are beautifully hand carved. The birds have been carved separately from the board back or plaque, and attached from behind with screws. They are each carved in nearly full round and the plaques extend to 5" depth when mounted on wall. A little unusual, these beautiful plaques, ornamented with a carved recess stringing so precisely done and with 4 lathe-turned rounds on each one. My guestimate would be c.1900-1914, but possibly earlier. There is a number on backside which would be the carver's ID and would be noted by the gallery and that carver properly paid once his sculptures sold. Large, the long-beaked fowl are about life-size. A very natural 'nature morte' or still life theme, the birds hung by one foot, ready to pluck and prepare for a meal. You are buying the pair (2).
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. These really just never survive without a little loss. Most are carved in a relatively soft carving wood, Linden wood, making slender areas prone to breaks. You can see that one beak has broken, and there is some loss to a wing or two. I've put an 'x' to draw attention for your review of each spot I can find. Overall, the least noticeable but bigger loss is the 2nd leg on each, which must have been carved sticking out into the room. Both have lost that 2nd leg at some point. Bears mention. Still, fabulous in display! Cabin, Lodge, Country French or English Manor decor begs for this pair! I found them in France, but they are Swiss carvers' artistry. Beautifully done.
