Horse and Bear Carved Ceremonial Gavel

We are fascinated with this wonderfully carved ceremonial gavel.  Carved in a very fine grain maple or boxwood it is 10" long with the head measuring 5" tall, 1 7/8" wide and 2 1/4" long.

The gavel head is comprised of a carved horse on a narrow plinth and that on a base with a stylized "W" on three sides, all from a single piece of wood.  The striking surface of the gavel head is an applied hardwood, likely walnut.  The carved horse is just 2 3/8" tall and 2 3/8" long and is remarkably well done in full figure.

The undulating handle terminates in a carved bear's head which is equally well carved.

This gavel was likely made for a high official in a service organization, or perhaps for a jurist, by a skilled folk artist.  The symbolism of the horse and bear's head are lost but we are sure there was a great story here.  If only this gavel could talk.

An estimated $15 is included in the price to cover packing, shipping and insurance.