An Anglo-Dutch carved softwood supraporte with coat-of-arms, in the manner of Grinling Gibbins William and Mary, circa 1700

with central coat-of-arms of the Forkington family or the Freston family of Mendham, Norfolk, England

Overall with minor restorations, a few additions and broken tips reglued, some tips slightly loose, some detached but still available and tips lackiong, the coat of arms with horizontal crack. Naturalistically carved.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Grinling Gibbins (1648-1721) was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and moved to England aged nineteen. He is especially known for his panel mouldings carved naturalistically with flower and fruit garlands. Not only was Gibbons an excellent carver, he was an able designer as well. An example can be seen on the reproduced pen and ink design for the enrichment of a chimney-piece. There are clear similarities between offered suppraporte and the pen and ink drawing. 

RELATED LITERATURE
David Esterley, Grinling Gibbons and the art of carving, exhibition catalogue Victoria and Albert Museum, London 1998.
Ralph Edwards, The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture, London 1964, pp.654-5.