A rare Northern European carved oak stags' head and antlers late 17th century

naturalistically carved and mounted onto a carved cartouche with a grotesque mask to the apron

By repute from the Danish Royal Collection;
with Christopher Gibbs

Atmospheric. The finely carved oak cartouche is very 'dry'. There are some screws attached to help secure the antlers. Losses to the antler site where they are mounted into the head.
"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."

The acquistion of this extraordinary carved stags' head adorned with real antlers for Ashdown was entirely appropriate. The Craven family decorated their homes with similar and a set can be glimpsed hanging on the staircase at Ashdown in a photograph from the very start of the 20th century. There was also a great series hung in the The Library and West Cloister at Combe Abbey, the family's Warwickshire seat. Ashdown, a great sporting estate, would have been the perfect place for these trophies and in fact still is. The National Trust continuing this family tradition with a series from their own collection displayed on the staircase at Ashdown.