inscribed with the date 1546 and the monogram PD, intricately carved with a boar hunt, grotesque open mouthed mask with auricular scroll ears

Overall the condition of the whistle is excellent. The small finial at the very end of the whistle may have been replaced. There is minor wear to the boxwood surface consistent with age, including a small chip to the leaves of the trees.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The hunting scene so intricately carved is inspired by the prints of the Nuremberg artist Virgil Solis (1514-62). His designs which number over six hundred decorative and ornamental prints were to have a profound influence on German goldsmiths, sculptors and furniture makers for the remainder of the 16th as well as into the 17th century.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. S. Peters, ed. "German Masters of the Sixteenth Century: Virgil Solis Intaglio Prints and Woodcuts", The Illustrated Bartsch (New York, 1987) 19, vol. 1