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Offered here is a pair of rare, 19th‑century carved wooden angels attributed to Arthur Hayball of Sheffield, England, one of which is clearly signed and dated 1869 on the reverse. These are finely executed Victorian ecclesiastical carvings, originally created as architectural elements designed to mount on posts and later lightly modified for secure wall display using discreet hardware.
Each angel measures approximately 21.5 inches in height (length), with a wing‑to‑wing width of about 6 inches and a depth at the top of about 11 inches, and weighs roughly 5.12 pounds. The figures depict serene, praying angels with flowing robes and finely carved wings, showing the crisp detailing and graceful proportions associated with quality church and architectural carving of the Victorian period.
The underside of one carving is inscribed “ARTHUR HAYBALL SHEFFIELD 1869” with a piece number, confirming that angel’s maker, origin, and date; the companion angel is unsigned but closely matches in style, scale, and construction and is being sold as part of the original pair. According to family history, these angels were acquired by George Irving Norman Jr. from a Randolph Hearst estate sale in the Hearst Castle / San Simeon, California area in 1971 (family provenance; documentation not included). They have remained in the Norman family estate in Salt Lake City, Utah for approximately 55 years and have been carefully stored during that time.
Condition is excellent for their age. The carvings have been well cared for, with sharp detail to the facial features, hands, drapery folds, and wings, and any minor wear is consistent with age and use and does not detract from their overall appearance. The light modifications on the back for wall hanging are sympathetic and do not affect the sculptural presentation of the front or sides; please review all photos for the best indication of condition.
These angels are both decorative and historically interesting: a signed Victorian church carving with a closely matching companion, long single‑family provenance, and a connection, by family account, to a Hearst estate sale. They would make a striking focal point in a home, chapel, or collection of religious or architectural antiques.
As mentioned above per family history, this pair was purchased by George Irving Norman Jr. in 1971 from a Randolph Hearst estate sale in the Hearst Castle / San Simeon, California area. This provenance is based on family records and is not accompanied by original sale paperwork.
Sold as a pair inquire if interested separately.Please review all photos carefully for the best view of condition and details.Will ship day of sale well‑packed and fully insured; signature on delivery required.
Private Family Collection Salt Lake City, UT
