3 Three Hares miniature reproduction carving BNIB 89G6 on eBay (end time 14-Nov-09 20:30:01 GMT)


Bidding has ended on this item. Item:3 Three Hares miniature reproduction carving BNIB 89G6

Item specifics - Animal Collector

Animal Type:	Hares	Material:	--
Animal Sub-Type:	--	Mounted/ Unmounted:	--
Item Type:	Reproduction carving	Condition:	New
Manufacturer:	Martin and Oliver Webb Fine Stone Miniatures

FREE POSTAGE (WITHIN MAINLAND UK ONLY)

You are bidding on a beautifully made miniature reproduction carving by

Martin and Oliver Webb Fine Stone Miniatures.

This ancient and enigmatic symbol depicts three hares prancing round each other. The essential and defining feature of the Three Hares image being that each hare shares its ears with its neighbours, joining them together and forming a central trefoil. There are only ever three ears. But they are quite mysterious; the hares' origin and meaning remain obscure.
Whilst we are unable to explain the Three Hares, it is significant that they frequently appear near to, or in association with, the equally mysterious Green Man, often in the form of carved roof bosses. It is therefore highly likely that their origin is similarly entwined with pagan beliefs about fertility and regeneration. Their presence in Christian churches (like the Green Man) has also prompted speculation about symbolism of the Holy Trinity.

Curiously, their greatest proliferation is in Devon and on Dartmoor where about thirty different examples may be found. This gained them the title "Tinner's Hares" or "Tinner's Rabbits" when it was thought an association with the local tin mining industry existed.

However, the image of the Three Hares extends far wider, with British examples to be found in Chester Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral in Wales and as far north as Yorkshire. In Europe the Three Hares have been found in France and Germany. Probably the earliest example discovered so far appears as a cave painting in China, dating from about AD 600, whilst other ancient images of the Three Hares have been identified in Nepal, Iran and Afghanistan. The earliest known example in the UK dates back to about 1300.

This piece is new and has a green baize backing. The miniature has a hanging loop so can be displayed either hanging up, or as a desk/mantlepiece ornament and measures approx 4 and 1/2 inches maximum dimension.

The miniature comes with an information label and card and is presented wrapped in tissue paper in a sturdy and attractive red box. This would make a lovely, unusual and high quality gift.

This individually finished collector's piece is not available anywhere else - often not even on our own web site. These items we sell on Ebay represent our seasonal "Specials' Shop" where we offer pieces with finishes not widely available (or, more usually, not available) elsewhere. Some of these miniatures are unique "one off" pieces, others are ones of only a handful made. All of the items we sell here are rarities and, as such, we hope will be of interest to collectors.

Our miniatures are exact and authentic reproductions of original carvings made with the permission (often at the request of) the relevant cathedrals, etc. All of the work, from research, photography, pattern making and production through to final packaging is done in-house by ourselves. Please be assured that you are buying a high quality piece of handmade workmanship made entirely in the United Kingdom by a small family business founded in 1983. Martin and Oliver Webb Fine Stone Miniatures. You might like to look us up on Google!

Payment and shipping.

Please note that whilst I will ship worldwide, the postage costs shown are for Mainland UK and Northern Ireland only. Please contact me for overseas postage costs (which are for air-mail only). If you wish to verify or query them, please do so before bidding (afterwards is significantly too late!). Varying weights of items and rates for different world zones mean that a standard price is impossible to quote. Please be assured, however, that postge costs are kept as tight as possible.

Great care is taken to ensure that all our miniatures are packed securely - they are not simply shoved in a jiffy bag. One of our customers commented: "Packed like nuclear waste"!

I regret that I am unable to accept cheques from banks based outside of the UK, or money orders, etc - they are desperately expensive, usually very slow and often unreliable to process. Overseas purchases must be paid by PayPal please.

I am perfectly happy to combine shipping costs for multiple purchases and will hold pieces for a maximum of two weeks from completion of auction. Please contact me if this is the case.

Proof of posting is always obtained from the Post Office upon dispatch of packages.

Item damaged in transit.

In the event of a miniature arriving damaged, please contact me immediately. Wherever possible a replacement as close to the original will be substituted, but please note that since the finishes on these items are mostly of a One Off nature, an exact replacement with identical finish is not always possible. If the alternative pieces available are not to your taste, I am happy to refund your purchase and postage expenses, including the postage to return the faulty item to me with its original packaging. Returned items MUST be securely packaged and Proof of Posting obtained.

Unpaid-for items.

Items that remain unpaid-for will be relisted for sale after fourteen days where no contact has been made by the bidder. If there is likely to be a delay, please get in touch and arrangements can be made accordingly.

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If you have any queries or problems, or would like more information, PLEASE get in touch, I am always happy to help.

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Thank you very much for your interest in this item, please take a look at our other pieces. I hope that you might wish to add us to your favourite sellers list and revisit.

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Postage and packaging

Item location: Leominster, United Kingdom

Dispatches to: Europe, United States

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Postage and packaging	To	Service	Estimated delivery*
Free P&P	United Kingdom	Seller's Standard Rate	Varies Seller dispatches within 3 day after receiving cleared payment.

*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's dispatch time, the postal service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.

Domestic dispatch time

Will usually dispatch within 3 working days of receiving cleared payment.

VAT price: 15.0% (included in the listed price).

If you have questions about this VAT, please contact the seller. The actual VAT requirements and rates may vary depending on the final sale.

Return policy

Returns accepted

Payment details

Payment method	Preferred/Accepted	Buyer protection on eBay
	PayPal Preferred

Seller's payment instructions

Payment by PayPal, please, since its cheap, safe and convenient. Item will be dispatched once payment has been processed. Returns and insurance (beyond normal Post Office's standard cover) is available at buyer's expense. Please contact me for overseas postage costs. Any queries should be made before bidding, otherwise our terms will be deemed to be acceptable. Thanks.