A fabulous rare fragment or salvage from some grand piece of furniture, a frame, or book or hunt cabinet in some grand paneled den of a chateau or palace - these are so rare to find, really. If you have or take the time, you'd be able to research this family's crest panel, there in the shield of the 12 1/4" tall bas relief carved crest. Full measurements noted on the photos. Found in France, likely French, definitely Continental.
Very good to excellent condition, as you can tell from mitered corners, it has been built in, or the crest of a fabulous frame - something. Will you put it on a mantel, above a door? It's quite remarkably well preserved, the worst flaw is part of an acanthus leaf shown right top of the carving, followed by small losses to the points of the crown on the helmet of armor. Armorial crest is incised/lac filled slim panels of natural material. I would say this dates late 18th to very earliest 19th century. I would love to see where it hangs next, if you buy it.
