These 11+" tall hand carved epergne stands (would have originally had a large glass flute) are fabulous drilled and turned into accent lamps for your buffet, end tables, or office. We've done it with several pairs, very simple to drill straight down through the length of it to about 1" from bottom, then drill straight in from the back at 1" height to meet the other opening so you can run wire. Lamp kits are inexpensive, and easy to work with, and bulb-mount lampshades work perfectly, or harp, depending on how tall you want your lamps. I'll try to find a photo to add at the end of listing to show a pair I have in our other home. This pair have 2 birds each, parent and chick, and the split crest feathers are on each adult. Very nicely carved Animalier or Hunt theme sculptures, the Swiss carvers were truly magnificent, weren't they. Grand Tour souvenir sets, mid to late 1800s. Full measurements noted on the photos. Large stable base - they'd be perfect on mantel with candles, too. These would have originally flanked a large matching Black Forest clock.
Very good condition for age and type. You can see there are a few chips for the fragile leaf tips, fronds, which is very normal on these. There are very old and inactive wood worm holes, which for most of us just make it seem all the more authentic (furniture makers paint/spray to get that look). There is no pithiness, and the holes are clean and not a bit of wood dust from then on their long journey from France. A fine set, no matter how you decide to use them. Extra large as these go. I'm tempted to make them up into lamps, but will leave that to you. Have fun with your decorating ideas!
