[Woodcarver] Who knows about older carvings?

[Maura Macaluso]

 Hi all,  I am a so-called woodcarving expert on a website and answer the public's questions about woodcarving, tools and technique and a little history.  I clearly state that I am not an appraiser but people are always sending me in pics of carvings to give them info about. mostly they are tourist items of little value or once in awhile a nice tribal carving and the like. However, I was recently sent a pic by someone and I couldn't believe it when I saw them. It was two 16" high cherubs, somewhere around 80-100yrs old, done in a German classical style with the initials AL on the bottom. it is done in a skilled hand and uses advanced techniques.  As luck would have it, I once included a carver in a chapter of a book on carving.  I believe I know the carver. Alois Lang, a master carver who once graced the cover of time magazine, who came to the states from Germany. Everything fits, style, subject matter, age, skill level..........so okay finally my question to you of the more knowledgeable carvers out there.  Where would one send a woodcarving to be evaluated and appraised in the US?  Apparently pictures of this carving were sent to Christies Auction house and Christies had no knowledge of them.  Does anyone have any suggestions, A museum? a college?  Who in this country knows about old carvings? If not here, Britain or Germany? It is my humble opinion that there is a 95% chance that these are very valuable carvings and need to be cared for and possibly insured. Help, Help Help.

 


Maura Macaluso
Maura Carving in NYC
www.carvinginnyc.com
917-494-0008
Staten Island Woodcarvers Club
New York City Parks Dept. Instructor
NEWR Instuctor
National Wood Carvers Association



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