Unusual, Architectural, 25 Inch Long Hanging Whimsy Chain with Moving Parts 19th century herbarium and also a fair resemblance

and also a fair resemblance to some pieces designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi

I would guess in the early 60s

and the petrified wood base (the absolute perfect base) definitely points to shorebird

Just a wonderful portrait I think

maybe 1930s or 40s

Unusual, Architectural, 25 Inch Long Hanging Whimsy Chain with Moving Parts 19th century herbarium and also a fair resemblanceI've bought and sold a lot of carved whimsies, including chains, such that it now takes a pretty special or unusual one to excite me. And this is one of those, very much the product of one particular person's fancies! There is a piece of fishing line threaded through the rounded "cage" at top by which to hang it, which is what it was clearly carved to do (though I like it arranged on a tabletop too.) Photos give a good sense, but in case not evident