Dear Robert, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal. The presented object appears to be a near-life-sized sculpture carved from walnut wood. The sculpture depicts an jester holding a candlestick with three flames. Such figural candlesticks are typical for Venice in Italy. The sculpture appears to be signed by Valentino BESAREL (1829-1902). This sculpture differs slightly in motif and quality from other works of Besarel. Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market. This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. Fair market estimation for an authentified Sculpture by Besarel would be between 3.000 to 6.000 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, George
