Overview
A charming piece of regional Florida folk art, this hand-carved pelican is rendered in a warm, honey-toned hardwood with stylized textural detailing.
Preliminary identification
Hand-Carved Folk Art Pelican by 'Tipple', 1983
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Story
On April 15, 1983—a date most Americans associate with tax deadlines—a craftsman named Tipple was finishing this tribute to the Florida coast in the quiet town of Englewood.
Maker / Origin
The signature 'Tipple' belongs to a regional Florida woodcarver active in the Sarasota County area during the late 20th century.
Condition & Value
The piece is in good vintage condition with a lovely aged patina. There is a natural 'check' or small split in the wood base, which is a common and expected occurrence in solid wood rounds as they dry over forty years. This does not detract from the value but rather confirms the organic nature of the material.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD