Antique single carved wooden curtain hold back in old gilt gesso finish

$32.71

Shipping to United States: $39.48

A wonderful antique French carved wooden curtain hold back.
In a grand French home, the drapes or curtains at the doors and windows were usually held back with these wooden stoppers, which were bracketed into the wall at the side or into the wooden panelling around the window. French windows and doors were dressed with a single drape, swept to one side and hooked over the hold back in a dramatic swathe. Each window had a single hold back, but often the salons and chambres had several windows, each had its own drape and hold back.

The circular front and column shaft of this antique item is deeply turned, and dished, with a conical tip. I believe the wood to be a softwood. It is probable that this item is Nineteenth Century or perhaps early Twentieth Century.
There is a lovely gilt gesso finish to this item, gold over red size.
The hold back has some areas of loss and discolouration to the finish, see photos. It is fresh from the attics of an eighteenth century chateau and I have not cleaned or polished it, preferring to offer in original as found condition. The hold-back price reflects condition.

Size approx 20cm long, 8cm diameter at widest part, 5.5cm diameter at base. Price is for one single hold back.

DELIVERY DETAILS. PLEASE READ
We are able to post out parcels from Metropolitan France and shipping fees are shown. Please allow plenty of transit time, as European post is notoriously slow!

*Please note that most deliveries within France and some other European Union countries are usually made to a Pont Relais collection point, there are usually a number of these located in shops and supermarkets in each town, and you will be given the opportunity to specify which one you prefer if this service is available for your location. Otherwise I will select the shop with the longest opening hours within your area. If you would prefer La Poste domestic delivery PLEASE ASK for a quote.
Deliveries to most other European destinations are generally to your doorstep unless it is much cheaper to use Pont Relais.
Outside of Europe we use La Poste International parcel service.
The sales tax is included in any sales so there should be nothing extra due to pay when your parcel arrives, subject to customs clearance. *The customer is responsible for any import duties incurred for an item. We will require a PHONE NUMBER to add to the customs forms, to help prevent any delays or transit problems. If you refuse delivery of an item due to customs costs, please be aware that your parcel's postage costs will be forfeit, although we are happy to refund the item purchase price upon return.

Our items are carefully selected antique and vintage pieces from France and they show the character and charm of years of use. We do not sell new or reproduction items so you can expect to find signs of the age and life that the piece has led. We believe this history adds to the story of an item. Obvious damage and faults will always be mentioned in our descriptions but minor age-related condition issues are not considered a detriment.

Shipping & Policies

Shipping from France

Processing time

3-5 business days

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns

Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

I don't accept exchanges or cancellations

But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

The following items can't be returned or exchanged

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

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