Sold 11 September 2025 · Opus Antiques

This “Antique Treen Painted Bird Call/whistle” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Carved Wood Bird Vintage Folk Art Wooden Bird Decoy Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

This is a late 1800s/early 1900s hand carved bird call whistle. It is a birds head and body with painted details such as the eyes, beak, feathers. By blowing at the tail end and moving the top flap up and down will produce a sound like a bird.

They were used as decoys, for hunting and as a toy.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Bird Whistle to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1164526

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

They were used as decoys, for hunting and as a toy.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Bird Whistle to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1164526

About the Dealer

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page

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An antique carved wooden bird whistle with painted details resting on a textured surface.

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An Antique Treen Painted Bird Call/whistle

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Opus Antiques

Telephone 07941 285 532

Location

North Devon
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques

Verified Since Oct 2014

Items For Sale 99

Items Sold 2,403

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An Antique Treen Painted Bird Call/Whistle

Ref: SA1164526

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Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Objects
Period19th century
StyleFolk Art
MaterialWood, Pigment
ColourBrown
MotifsCarved bird form, Hand-painted details, Incision-carved plumage

FAQs

Treen encompasses small, functional wooden objects made before the advent of modern plastics. Carved wooden bird whistles served both as practical devices for hunting or luring and as folk toys.

Maker typically utilised close-grained native hardwoods such as boxwood, fruitwood, or beech, which could hold fine carved detail and withstand moisture. Simple earth pigments and natural oils were often applied to colour and seal the surface.

Authenticity is determined by examining tool marks, hand-carved symmetry variations, surface patina, and natural timber ageing or oxidation consistent with age rather than artificial distress.

These pieces function well as small-scale display objects on bookshelves, mantelpieces, or curated tabletop vignettes, adding organic texture and historical interest to modern spaces.

Keep wooden objects away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity to prevent timber splitting and pigment fading.