T,
That's about $1200+ US right? I'd want to see his head and a few more shots for that kind of money, I wouldn't buy it going on just the one photograph, even from an aesthetic standpoint.
What I see in the photo looks very nice, the pose, the sculpture and the painting all tiptop, but I'd want to see the head and face,
too. That's the part that can "make-or-break"
a good raptor for me. There is a possibility it was photographed like that on purpose, no?
As for dating the piece, that should be of secondary importance considering there are so many slight variations in the markings. Very easy to make a mistake in this area.
If the painting of the head looks good and a proper, "no-questions" guarantee is given, I'd venture a look-see, it is a very impressive unit, no matter the time period.
Good hunting!
B~
