27 June 2023
I have received an enquiry today from overseas regarding a beautiful carving of a turtle in the possession of my correspondent's friend and I quote what my I was told
Quote..
I have a wood carving that was acquired by my close friend while on a scuba diving trip at a remote island within the Solomon Island chain. It was acquired 30-40 years ago.
My friend is quite ill and I am helping him find out more about the piece he acquired. I am hoping you can help me with further details about the piece and its potential value as I can’t seem to find anything about it anywhere.
Unfortunately, he can’t remember the remote island he was on.
He is considering giving it to the Smithsonian Institute but would like to know more about its intrinsic historical value & worth.
I have attached an image of the piece and a brief description is found below.
Condition: One of a kind and very rare piece. Excellent condition and kept in a home unused but on display. Hand carved with precise Mother of Pearl inlay. Rosewood - made & polished by hand. Unique legs made of one interlocking piece.
Measures:
Turtle - 29.5" x 19" x 2.5"
Table stand: 15.5" in height.
End of quote.
I would much appreciate any information relative to my correspondent’s questions. My email address is nkhwazi2002@yahoo.com. or I can be contacted via the link on my website,
Yours sincerely
FranK Short.
