Regency Giltwood Supra Porta Carving

first quarter 19th century, carved with a pair of griffins facing each other, holding carved swagging and supporting a leaf-carved shield with a central painted cabochon.
h. 15-3/4", w. 47"

Provenance: Estate of Daniel A. Glaser, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The gilt surfaces exhibit typical scattered rubbed losses, small nicks and oxidation. Griffin on left with old restoration where the outer wing joins the body. Griffin on right with loss to one "paw nail", a small restoration where drapery enters its mouth and restorations to the tail area. Leaf-carved crest with scattered old losses to edges, worn over time. All of the above consistent with age. Old worm damage evident front and back. The reverse with horizontal shrinkage (some with old filler), scattered old restorations and sliver loss to the lower edge - none visible on the front side. The lower edge with two evenly spaced circular cork-filled holes implying that this piece may have once served as a crest. Depth: 3" (at outer wing on right griffin)