Page 31 - joa 2-2020

Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Hello Mr. Moore; carving. In his lifetime, Kent A. Quesnell has carved eagles, fish,
I have attached pictures and included my address at the bottom of the animals of all sorts, and Totems.
page. The pictures are of a hand carved eagle that I have had hanging in In a July 24th, 1977 interview with the Wisconsin State Journal
my house since the 1980s. It was carved by a fellow from Galena, Illinois. article written by Charles Fulkerson, Mr. Quesnell stated that his
I believe his last name is Quinel. Can you please arrange to come over and mentor was a Buddhist priest and that he started carving toothpicks.
tell me more about the carver and give me a hint of value? He turned an entire log into a thousand toothpicks. He said this
Thank you – “taught him patience in woodworking.”
Dennis S. With regard to my statement of this Eagle being a great piece of
Americana, my definition of Americana art is any work, when seen,
relates directly to America or being an American. Americana does not
have to be antique (100 years or older) in an artistic or idealistic sense
– a piece of Americana is timeless.
Your hand carved bald Eagle, our nation’s symbol, is approximately
40 inches long and 28 inches wide with a specially made iron bracket
holding it to the wall. The Eagle is full body carved, and is estimated as
full size standing
on a perch clutch-
ing a wreath with
arrows and fig
leaves attached. It
is signed and given
a name on the
back by the artist
Kent A. Quesnell
circa: 1970s. It
is entirely hand
carved and fin-
ished. The piece
itself, even if it
were unsigned,
oozes Americana,
but knowing it
was carved and
signed by this
historic American
artist gives it that
Hello Dennis – appeal that surpasses all understanding.
Not only am I honored by your request, but would yesterday be At this time, I cannot find any realized auction prices for Kent A.
too late to come over? I see a lot of Antique and Folk-Art Eagles, but Quesnell art pieces in the same class as this Eagle. I have seen a few of
very seldom am I awed at a piece. This piece stuns me. It is absolutely his smaller tabletop carvings that have sold between $100/$700.
beautiful and a great piece of Americana. I believe at this time Mr. Quesnell’s art is a bit unknown and under-
Let’s get started by filling you in on what I know about the carver. rated in the US art marketplace. I also believe if you think of art as an
In my estimation his is a true American success story that rivals that of investment, you have a great future in this wonderfully carved
any great American artist. American Bald Eagle. If I were to see this offered at a top end auction
The Artist who carved this eagle was Kenneth Anthony Quesnell, house today with all of the history and artist statistics listed, I would
also known as Kent A. Quesnell. Mr. Quesnell was born in 1923 in expect it to sell for an estimated $3,500/$5,000++.
Chicago, Illinois. He served in WWII and later with the U.S. Treasury Thank you, Dennis, for submitting this fine piece of Americana for
Department, Justice Department, U.S. Customs Division, Illinois review and appraisal. Enjoy it for the great piece of Americana it is, as
Department of Investigation, and as the Chief of Police first in well as for the great American carver who created it and whose service
Mazomanie and then in the 1980s, Hanover, Wisconsin. Kent and to his country far exceeds the norm.
his wife moved from Wisconsin to settle in Galena, Illinois where he – David Moore
was a full time Master Carver. He passed away in 2007. He was an
internationally known and respected artist. His carving skills extended
to several different mediums including wood, marble, and composition
material. He has had works commissioned by several U.S. Presidents. I David Moore is part of the school’s “Ask The Experts” appraising
have heard he had at least two Eagle carvings similar to yours registered team, and is an honors graduate and “Certified” Asheford Institute
with the Smithsonian Institute. He displayed several of his carvings of Antiques Appraiser. Mr. Moore is the owner of Waterman’s
across the country. I have read that in the 1990s while carving marble Antiques, was President of the Indiana Archaeo logical Society, and
flowers for the Bernini Altar in St. Peters Basilica, Pope John Paul II is a published author, with over 50 years of experience in the
would have discussions with him while watching the progress of his research and study of antiques and collectibles.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial@journalo-
fantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified”
antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or contact the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

February 2020 29