Preliminary identification

Carved Moose Antler Burr Plaque with Eagle and Human Face, signed 'JSB'

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautifully hand-carved relief plaque fashioned from the naturally shed 'burr'—the dense, textured base where a moose antler meets the skull. It features a split-face design merging a stylized human face with a powerful eagle, complete with an inlaid eye.

Story

Deep in the northern forests, moose naturally shed their massive antlers every winter. Indigenous and regional folk artists have long collected these discarded treasures, transforming the porous, bone-like bases into spiritual talismans that celebrate the shape-shifting connection between humans and the animal kingdom.

Maker / Origin

The piece is signed with the incised initials 'JSB' within an oval cartouche on the reverse. While the specific carver remains anonymous without deeper regional registry searches, they belong to a dedicated community of North American rustic and Indigenous-influenced artisans who specialize in antler and bone carving.

Condition & Value

The plaque appears to be in excellent vintage condition with no visible chips or cracks to the delicate carved edges. The natural coloration of the antler has aged to a warm, honey-brown patina, and the wire hanger on the reverse remains securely attached. Excellent condition like this helps maintain the upper end of the value range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

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 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.