Unusual, Architectural, 25 Inch Long Hanging Whimsy Chain with Moving Parts 19th century herbarium 6" wingspan when open

6" wingspan when open

and the petrified wood base (the absolute perfect base) definitely points to shorebird

I would guess in the early 60s

moved headquarters to Jersey City

Just a wonderful portrait I think

Unusual, Architectural, 25 Inch Long Hanging Whimsy Chain with Moving Parts 19th century herbarium 6" wingspan when openI've bought and sold a lot of carved whimsies, including chains, such that it now takes a pretty special or unusual one to excite me. And this is one of those, very much the product of one particular person's fancies! There is a piece of fishing line threaded through the rounded "cage" at top by which to hang it, which is what it was clearly carved to do (though I like it arranged on a tabletop too.) Photos give a good sense, but in case not evident