Pair of Connecticut carved and painted maple birds, dated 1869, perched on turned bases with acorn finials, retaining their original cream and black bodies with yellow beaks, inscribed in ink on paper on base of one These birds were made by Mrs. Rita Whedden Fletcher father Mr. Durnell for my father Ira Leland. The wood was from a tree planted by my grandfather Joseph Leland. The tree stood near Stony brook and marked the place where father and grandfather caught fish. The tree was cut and brought to mill for ___. My father prized the tree so much that he got these birds made from the wood. 1869., 8 1/2" h. Provenance: Guthman Collection; Fred Giampetro. Excellent condition. Minor wear.