solid wood carved fireplace mantel

Lovely carved caryatids from the 19th or 18th century. Hard to date precisely due to the paint, I'm afraid. The board conecting them from the top is not original to them, its far too crude and simple in comparison. These may have come from a fireplace, stairwell, window, doorway, even a piece of furniture like a console, chest, or bookcase.

Prices for a pair caryatid architectural elements are all over the board unfortunately, everywhere from $300-$1,000. A professional restoration to remove the added board and paint without harming the finish (if it still exists underneath) may go a good way to increasing its sellability, perhaps combined with a good freshing of the finish and a nice wax polishing.