Hi Wesley,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The use of caryatids as supports for mantelpieces has a long history but it's a Renaissance invention rather than an ancient Greek one (where the caryatid form was first used). In a sumptuous mantel, the caryatids allowed the designer to combine classical knowledge or awareness, sculpture and architecture in one objects, though by the 18th Century, caryatids were generally symbolic rather than genuinely structural supports.

This mantel is almost certainly 20th Century and I have a strong feeling the separate elements have been formed in molds using scagliola or cast stone, finished with more contemporary tools, both on the front and on the back. I can tell this from the tool marks visible in the photos of the interiors you've attached. I can also see that the top has been split and repaired, and that there are other cracks or manufacturing "seams" that have been repaired.

There is little difference in the retail value of 20th Century mantels that are both new and vintage (though there might be some potential added value if this had provenance to a historic property - if there is please let me know and I'll adjust the value accordingly) and ones in good condition typically retail for between $4,000 and $6,000. However, when these come to auction, they bring lower fair-market values, usually about half the retail prices. For ones with some condition issues, such as those yours has, buyers would likely bid this to $1,500-2,500.

If you're looking to sell this privately, I would ask $3,000 and you can lower your asking price if you don't get takers.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Classical style cast stone or marble figural fireplace mantel
20th Century
With caryatid supports, one holding a mask, the other holding a tool.
53 inches tall x 63 inches wide x 12 inches deep
CONDITION: with some breaks and repairs but otherwise in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: originally from an estate; acquired with a property
$ 1,500-2,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia