A magnificent pair of game carvings, each one with a near-pristine carved pair of birds, one a fan tail pheasant with small bird at its side, the other a pheasant with long slender tail feathers, and at its side another smaller and elegantly carved bird. Each plaque is 21" tall (pheasants in this pair hang heads at top) and 13 1/2" at widest point, so a nice-sized pair. Found in France, they each have the paper label still on back which tells some of their history. This exceptional Animalier sculpture, carved by Swiss Black Forest Masters, were initially offered through a Paris retailer of fame, Ed. Schirrmann (a Swiss man) 7, rue Royale, PARIS, who concentrated on Black Forest and clocks. We know from history and museum works, the huge and finest sets were, for the most part, sold from this retailer, and in France rather than Switzerland. The set are signed "N" and dated 1877 (I think I'm reading it right - see photos). Each plaque is a very deep bas relief carving, 4 1/2" extension from wall, when hung.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, I can find a couple of small nice to leaf tip, and no loss to the 4 birds with their exquisitely carved feathers, thin beaks, slender legs. The larger pheasants on this pair hang on wall with heads up, and the small birds and powder horns, etc., hung as if by the hunter, are hanging upside down. The angle of the wings in repose is exceptionally fine, and they remain unbroken. I can see evidence of a small repair to one hanging post from which the pheasant hangs up top, nicely done. Surprisingly, beaks remain, as well. No breaks to the outer plaque and no cracks on either, nor to the wood of the figures - top quality pair!
