Recently re-acquired by me. Probably Northeast America, ca. 1850. This is a most extraordinary piece of folk carving! Dramatic double-sided phoenix was executed by a gifted carver. The deep carving is enhanced by a fantastic original and worn silver-gilt surface. Silver gilding was achieved by covering with silver leaf, then coating with an amber varnish that created a look emulating gold. Where varnish wore away from weathering, silver was exposed and eventually tarnished, creating the black underlying surface. The combination of gold/silver/and black surface is exceptional. The trade sign is fasioned from decorative horse brasses of the period, implying that this sign perhaps hung over a horse stable. The phoenix was also a symbol of mid-19th century insurance companies, so perhaps this sign was used outside an early insurance firm. About 19 1/4" tall x 16" wide x 1 1/8" thick. Impressive!