A rare English carved oak pew end early 16th century

of curved form, the lobed poppy-head with Christ's mask above a flower head and blind tracery, the boldly moulded edge with a hare pursued by a hound, the reverse with leaf motif and channelled edge to the apron

Generally good. Though obviously with traces of former fitting to a pew resulting in some later timber filled elements. The poppy-head and animals with traces of old worm and some fragmenting prominent on the reverse. There is an aperture above the flower head and some to the tracery background. Some old fragmenting and wear throughout commensurate with age and use. There is old chipping to details of the creatures. A very charming piece and both the animals are lovely with wonderful colour.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For pew ends which feature hounds and hares see some examples at and possibly from St. Giles Balderton, Nottinghamshire, some of which are now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Illustrated by Charles Tracy, English Medieval Furniture and Woodwork, London, 1988, pp. 118-120, pls. 73a, b, c and fig. 46.

And for an example with the same lobed poppy-head see Tracy (op. cit. p. 103, pl. 62). This example has the arms for the town of King's Lynn.