I would like to get an appraisal/valuation for a statue of St. Joan of Arc.
I can provide the following details: the statue is of cast iron, tall about 5' and weighs between 550-600 lbs. Currently it is in private possesion in USA. I cannot provide any details on the provenance of this particular piece.
According to my personal research the statue was produced in the Foundry of Val d'Onse, France around 1890-1900. A catalogue published by the company shows it as one of the three models of St. Joan of Arc offered by the foundry, the other two being authored by Mathurin Moreau and Le Nordez and N. Gregorio. The statue in question is a modification of the original statue, made of marble and exhibited at the museum of Versailles. The author of the original is Princess Marie d'Orleans.
I have been able to identify two more exact copies of that model situated on public display in two relatively small/provincial French towns. I have not been able to find out if any more models have been produced by the foundry so therefore there are only three so far. Most of the casts and models of the foundry were either destroyed or recycled after the W W ii, so that would make anything made by Vald'Onse Foundry quite unique.
Re: St. Joan of Arc Cast Iron Statue
Items like this are really beyond the scope of a online appraisal format, I'd suggest contacting one of the larger auction houses such as Sotheby's or Christie's for this item.
Re: St. Joan of Arc Cast Iron Statue
Thank you for your reply and opinion.
However, it is not clear what defines "the scope of an online appraisal format"?
Re: St. Joan of Arc Cast Iron Statue
What I meant is some items really require a physical examination and valuation by a Specialist who deals with this kind of item. In the case of this one we have no record of one matching it or comparable to it offered for sale retail or sold at auction going back 10 years.
Re: St. Joan of Arc Cast Iron Statue
Lovejoy,
thank you very much for your quick response to my posting, your efforts and opinion are highly appreciated.
I think, however, that you need to let some more experienced at research and appraisal individuals give their feedback before coming to quick conclusoions about what is possible and not. Today's world is largely an online experience, before phisical examination of an item is performed many other resarch tools are avilable that can allow for an approximation of an estimate, even a valuation. In my case I have provided enough details for experienced appraisers to do what is necessary.
Thank you so much again for your thoughts!
Re: St. Joan of Arc Cast Iron Statue
You are welcome...I might add I've been in the antique business since 1966 and have provided online appraisal services for all the major appraisal firms, insurance companies and adjusters under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice since 1996. For items like this it's standard practice to refer clients to specialists. Based on my 48 years in the business your best bet is to contact either Sotheby's or Christies.