A unusual English carved Oak misericord 15th Century

carved with a bat with outstretched wings and protruding tongue beneath a moulded inset seat

In good condition. Main seat with a lot of wear as to be expected, indents and old fragmenting. Rear rim with iron hinge and opposing hinge lacking. Cuts to corners. The bat side of attractive colour and patina. The small inset moulded seat with splits that extend through the wings of the bat. The bat of whimsical appearance and with some slight old chipping. Some fragmenting and aperture on hinge sites with usual black resin stains.
"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 another carved oak misericord depicting a bat see an example in St. Martins Church, Herne in Kent illustrated Christa Grössinger, The World Upside-Down, English Misericords, London, 1997, p. 143, pl. 215. Grössinger writes that bats are '...usually very stylised, and associated with the forces of darkness'. In this instance the protruding tongue on the creature does lend an element of humour to the portrayal.