A well carved mahogany oversized door porter, the base representing a whimsical mythical "chimera",
the bowed head with bulging brows between upright ears and small horns, the open mouth or beak showing teeth,
above a vertically grooved and coiled body, the wings folded to the back, which also shows a raised backbone,

the breast carved with a shield initialed in Gothic RC,
resting on a circular brass base and surmounted by a wrythen turned standard with hinged ring terminal

Condition : Excellent; wear and scuffs appropriate to age and usage;
a skilled and charming carving

Provenance - an Irish Country House :
Elaborate door porters played an important role in British interiors during the Victorian era.
Foundries created extraordinary forms to hold open the heavy mahogany doors of important homes.
Firms such as William Tonks & Sons and Voysey produced large catalogues detailing a variety of forms,
including both animals and architectural.
Heraldic and classical references are often present, as in this seahorse example –
possibly the family crest, with initialed shield.

26.25" High

SOLD

#7061

Please Inquire