Does anybody know about this signature.

[Freddy Tong]

Hi,

Does anybody know my antique wood carving's signature.. The piece is exceptional detailed, you can tell from the carved face and hands' muscles. This is the best piece in my collection, I think it was either from Black Forest or Italy, age is about 60 or over. The carving is 9-1/2"tall and overall is 12-1/4" with base. No painting on wood. It is in excellent condition. Thanks

Freddy Tong

[TexasSteve]

Pulled this from a master sculptor blog.

What are AP's? AP stands for "Artist Proof." In addition to the pre-determined number of limited editions, the artist reserves the right to cast a pre-determined number of AP's. Typically AP's are meant to give the artist the opportunity to perfect the patina process before starting to number the limited editions. At times, AP's have been known to sell for more than the limited edition castings themselves, especially when all the limited editions have been sold. It is up to the artist to decide how many AP's to cast, and at which point during the casting process will they be cast. The letters "AP" and the number of AP's should be carved next to the artist signature, date, and limited edition number. For example AP 2/3 means there are a total of 3 AP's and this is AP #2. In my opinion, the amount of AP's should only be a fraction of the total limited editions, and under no circumstance should they exceed the number of limited editions. For example, if you have a limited edition of twelve, personally would not cast more than 2-3 AP's, otherwise what is the point of having limited editions?

I would look really hard becausethe signature of the arist shouldbe ner the AP inscription.

[Freddy Tong]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your information about the signature of my wood carving piece. It sounds right but could it be possible this carved AP simply a carver's signature. What the reason I doubted is why missing the carver's signature and number. I thing Artist Proof for printings or casting bronze statues are reasonable but rarely for wood carvings. The carved "AP" is deep and clear, there is no reason missing the carver's signature that's what I thinking.
I learned the AP meaning from you today and I think you are quite right about this signature but I still have a little doubt about it.
By the way, I am a Chinese, my English is so so. I dealt with many arts & crafts and antiques before, this piece is the best wood carving that I have. You can see his muscles on the statue's hands, average carvers couldn't do it like that. I believe he was a master, so I eager to know who was the carver from his signature.
Thanks again

Freddy

[Scott Hagerty]

That's a very nice carving, I'd have to guess European in origin. I hope you can find out who the carver is and let us know!

[Freddy Tong]

Sure I will let you the carver once I have it.

[sashadoc]

You know what's interesting? The "signature" almost looks like a Chinese character. You would have picked up on that though. If it is AP then a lot of thinking went into making it look like a logo. I don't think they would be so meticulous with "artist proof"?

Tim

[Jim Arnold]

Kind of like Tim said...I don't think it stands for A.P., I think its a maker's mark, guessing European origin as well, Italian or German, kind of looks like an 'Anri' type piece.

[sirociper]

It's good old assassin pete up to his old tricks again. That piece there was one of his firsts. Back when the two of us were still part of "the agency". He was the only agent on our team that carved wood using a samurai sword. He was known for implanting explosives in his work though so you might want to be careful with that or take it to an expert and have the bomb removed or defused. Much heart!

[mark38c]

I cannot make out this signature and do not even know which country this was made in, or its value, I need help with this please.

Thanks Mark

[trygg grandson]

Hey Freddy,it's certainly looks Austrian/ German black forest, this is a pic. of a black forest carving! I to think that it 's the carver trade mark. Mike