1870's-1880's WOOD CARVING OF A GERMAN, AUSTRIAN OR FRENCH SOLDIER 31 3/4" TALL

Description: This is a real interesting antique wood carving. This was probably made to represent a German, Austrian or French (soldier?). Circa 1870's-1880's & was most probably carved in Germany, Austria, or the Alsace Lorraine area of France. He is wearing an interesting decorative helmet & he is also wearing a Pour le Mérite medal. The Pour le Mérite medal was the highest German award in the 1870's-1880's. The figure stands a healthy 31 3/4 inches tall. The distance across his outstretched arms is 17 3/4 inches. The base is 6 1/2 inches by 5 inches. The ankles, the feet, & the base are carved in one piece of wood & each arm is carved in one piece of wood. The rest of the body is carved in one piece of wood. There is a small hole on the right front of the base. We are guessing that this small pole once had a sign or a flag or a banner sticking up from the hole. But, we are not certain on this point. We are thinking that this figure, which is probably of a soldier, may have been an advertising store figure for a military supply or uniform shop. But, we are not certain on this point & he may have been made for some other purpose. But, if we are correct on this, there was probably a small sign advertising the business sticking up on a wood pole out of the hole in the base. The arms are movable & detachable (as made) & they are posable in various positions. The position we show the arms in seems to be the position that the arms pose the best in. We suspect that these arm positions were the ones most favored by the maker as the arms fit the best into the body in these two positions. Each of the arms is attached by a wooden peg. One of the pegs is a replacement. The figure appears to be wearing a military uniform. However, the Pour le Mérite medal was, at some points in the past, also awarded to German civilians who preformed great achievements. So, this figure may represent a German or Austrian or French civilian in an interesting outfit who received the Pour le Mérite award. The figure is carved from a warm richly colored & very attractive wood. We are not certain of the name of the wood. But, this figure was possibly carved in ash wood. There are some minor age cracks & there is some minor wear including some small chips off of some of the finger tips. There is one small old repair on the inside of one thigh. The figure has excellent, smooth, very rich, & extremely appealing natural patina. Please examine the photos closely and purchase based on your own judgement as to condition and value. This item is inventory #9180. Shipping is free only to addresses within the U.S. and available only to addresses within the U.S.

Price: 1650 USD

Location: Lampeter, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-12-02T23:19:53.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD