I need help on this one. Dragon Carving

I don't know what this is? The client says it's bone, stone, antler and wood. It is 6 feet long and weighs about 50lbs, its very heavy. I am considering taking it on but I can't find anything like it. I don't know how old it is, I don't know what it would be called. I have found a lot of bone carvings but none of them quite like this. What do you guys think? The owner doesn't know more that what I have told you here. He bought it and believes it to be worth around 5k. I just don't know? It's different. Maybe someone here knows what to make of it.

 

Here is a quite similar one, I do not think they are much older as 1960s, when this one was acquired: http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/auction-catalogues/british-bespoke-auctions/catalogue-id-srbri10012/lot-4a18dbca-5faf-46be-bea4-a42f00d8ebae

 

Maybe I'm not finding the right page. Can't tell if Mat's contribution sold or not. Estimate was less than 5K.

Lot closed: Mar 10, 2014 3pm GMT
Estimate: 1,500 GBP - 2,000 GBP

 

Here is the same piece. It shows a starting bid of 3000 GBP and that the lot was passed. Not sure why the discrepancy in estimate and starting bid other than 3 days difference in date of the auction.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/24662636_antique-chinese-impressive-carved-wood-and-bone

 

Wow thanks.

 

Brad answered that one. Brad's and Mat's were the same auctioneer, but Brad's shows that there were no bids on it. Maybe the owner demanded a higher start.

 

Kaspers, If it were my consignment shop, I'd pass on this space taker. I doubt you'd ever be offered anything near the price the seller thinks it's worth. just my humble opinion.

 

Oriental bone carvings are an area I'm not real familiar with; but I'm always extra-cautious in that situation.
My fear, and it has nearly happened to me in the past, is that after bidding and winning I'll discover the item is a common theme for importers, and that there are dozens of exact duplicates floating around, making it impossible to turn a profit without lying about the item.....
and if I'm lucky, I'll notice the duplicates before bidding, and also notice that many sellers are in fact mistaken or lying about provenance, material, or rarity.

 

I hear ya. Although this is an auction gallery and right now we have a lot of room to fill (7200sqft) so for now I am going to go ahead and take it on. He is also consigning several other pieces to us that I think will be unique for our auction and may have more in the future. If I didn't have the space to fill I would be right there with you.

On top of that, I just found out I have someone interested in placing a bid on it so I am going to let it ride and see how it does. He has been reasonable with the low estimates I have given so far. I will just have to let him know that it most likely won't bring near what he thinks it is worth and see if he still wants to list it. I really don't have much to lose by it a fair chance at this point.

Yes this was one of my original concerns too.

 

Yes, you don't have much to lose. I hope it works out well for you!

 

Agreed! Please let us know how much it sells for!

 

If it sells. I will definitely let you guys know.

 

Your website is very nice, Kaspers.

 

Thanks so much. It is still a work in progress.