Hand Carvings

By vinnie40, 13 April, 2014
Description

 

I have attached several photos of three carvings I believe ARE NOT ivory but not totally sure.  These were purchased several years ago at the proverbial garage sale and have been framed, adorning walls ever since.  But I'm a complete novice and quite curious. I took #1 (5" x 3 3/4") out of it's frame to inspect.  It has a glossy surface with very fine lines, woodgrain on back, color that slightly varies from creamy white, yellow-tan, and yellow-brown.  The sides appear to have brown lines up and down.  The title "Jeanne D'Arc" is etched in as well.    #2 (43/8" x 3") and #3 (5 3/8" x 4") have the same characteristics with no title.  I have access to a home magnifying glass that is only 2X so I can't determine the presence of any Schreger lines that intersect or form a diamond pattern which is why I don't believe they are ivory.   Any thoughts you might have would be most appreciated.   Thank you in advance.  I look forward to your response.

Category
Other
Medium
Not sure but relatively confident they are not ivory.
Distinguishing marks
None other than etched title Jeanne D'Arc
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
Varies but approx 4" x 6"
Date Period
unknown
Weight
1-2 lbs
History
Purchased at garage sale
Price Paid (If known)
Not sure, Several years ago.
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

cyberhusky

11 years 2 months ago

I'm not an expert, but are you sure these are carvings?  I have a plaque with similar style, which I purchased in Rome, that is made of marble.  While it is meant to look like a carving, it is actually ground marble dust that is molded into the plaque which looks like a relief carving.  The color is very simlar to what you have posted.

No votes yet

Thank you cyberhusky -

I'm not at all certain these are carvings.  Shows what a novice I am.  I do think that marble is a good guess but hope to find more info....

Thanks again!

No votes yet

Phoenixguy1954

11 years 2 months ago

Marble..very hard and smooth,lots of lines (marbling).Soapstone, very smooth but will chip and flack if scratched. Alabaster  scratch it it will chjp and some times flack....Plastic will melt. and Ivory will smell when burnt...  I am thinking the carver of the "Jeanne D'Arc"   tile is not the same person that carved the Mideval town carving. they have Jeanna  left handed and shith on her right side, all carving of her its on the left side....the Town is very well done but the sword of Jeanna's the handle is not stright in line with blade..also is the tip broken off? I can not find anything even close to these tiles...Wish I could help........Good Luck..

 

No votes yet

Thanks for looking Phoenix1954.  Not sure where to turn here in Chicago to find out more.  I do hope to attend Antiques Roadshow when they visit in July!

No votes yet