Iron and Steel Grand "Bouquet de Saint-Eloi" Blacksmith or Farrier Display Sign

Description:

Iron and Steel Grand "Bouquet de Saint-Eloi" Blacksmith or Farrier Display Sign, France, the elaborate ironwork top composed of horseshoes, leaves, and other elements set into a weathered wood sign with vestiges of letters, ht.

Note: Traditionally, a Bouquet de Saint-Eloi is made by a farrier in order to show his skill and versatility in welding, riveting, and other metallurgical tasks, and often, as is the case here, incorporates horseshoes. They are so named for Saint Eloi, the patron saint of metalworkers.
Estimate $800-1,200

approx. 28 wrought leaves to the outer edges of the piece that are missing, with allover rusting, corrosion to leaves and a few horseshoes, and wear and loss to the border of the wooden sign at the base. The piece measures to 95 1/2" tall and 65" wide, and likely dates to the late 19th century.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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