But lost wax casting is difficult to reproduce with great detail. And I'd agree with Casey that this does look like a lost wax casting. It's hard to get that level of detail otherwise. As to not being signed....my ExDH didn't sign his pieces either....that does not mean they're not wonderful....just not signed. It would be interesting to know what a gallery that specializes in lost wax castings would say about the piece. And I think it would be lovely for jewelry :) I was just searching for something the other day and dang she'd have fit the bill LOL I didn't see her anywhere, in original patina or not! Part of the reason I'm passionate about her is her beauty. If this was some cheap knock off from China, I could care less what happens to her...but she's wonderful, honestly beautiful :) I hope I didn't give a different impression to the OP.

Funny stories about different transactions. Bill_h, I'm glad to read that in the Motor City, it's somewhat of a free-for-all. It just seems appropriate, being the home of the U.S. auto industry. One thing that can work well for selling a car -- if you're replacing it with a new or used car from a dealer -- is what dealers around here call a "courtesy trade." You and the buyer of your car agree on a price as usual, then you and your buyer go together to the dealer where you're buying your new car. The dealer shows your old car on the sales documents as a trade, with the value being the price the buyer is going to pay for it. This saves you on sales tax in many states. The buyer then purchases the car from the dealer for that price. I know of many dealers who will do this for free, as a service to the person buying the car from them. A few charge the buyer a standard "paperwork" fee. They're willing to do it even though they make no money on the sale of the trade because it can help you buy the new car, since the buyer is presumably giving you more for it than the dealer would have.

I did purchase my new King mattress from the same local manufacturer that made my custom rv mattress. I love this company, I was able to tell him exactly how I wanted it to feel on top and how much support and firmness for the core. I did get the individual covered separate coils for less movement and the bamboo top fabric because I sleep hot and the bamboo fabric is great for me. It has the euro top instead of the pillow top the old one had. It is just beautiful too. I really debated if I should get a latex layer in the top, ended up not getting it, but if I was doing it again it would be worth the extra money. I love my latex pillows so much I think I would like the latex layer. I absolutely did not want any type of memory foam I can't stand it. I do have the option to let him take it back and add the latex layer still. Another great thing about this place! I have recommended them to several of our friends, especially those with an rv. And the prices are fantastic. So far I have not had any back pain like I was having from the old one. Super comfortable and extremely supportive. I especially wanted the heavy solid foam sides which will support you sitting on the edge or pushing on it getting up and out. I am a side sleeper and I tend to sleep on the edge of the bed, it supports me completely. I could jump on my side and never move my husband's side. The only thing that I wish was different is how much higher this one is. Thank goodness my sheets still fit. I have no idea if they ship out or not but I know they deliver all around the Houston area.

Budget helps to restrict your choices, which can be helpful. There are SO many choices available that it can be overwhelming! Your budget covers high entry level to low- to mid- middle grade. Which cabinet level would be right for you? That will depend on your needs and wants. What's a want vs a need for you? Part of that will be nuts and bolts construction driven in the lower priced lines. Upgrading lower lines to the same features as a mid priced line often ends up being more expensive. A more expensive line may actually be the better value. If you don't want to have to think too much about cabinet construction, choosing a mid grade line from the beginning will be a better choice. Any American made true midgrade line will give you decent quality without worrying about it, without having to go through any ''upgrades' to get soft close and decent hardware. But, it's the much better finishes that are the most visual external clue that you are not in a lower spec line. Do they have cherry available in a natural finish? Most lower lines don't, because they use a tinted top coat to even out the color differences between the hartwood and sapwood. Are there more than 3 white colors available? The number of finishes and style options are much more limited in value lines. Look at the cut ends of the crossgrain stiles on the doors. Are they smooth and close in color to the long grain? Does the door feel smooth and have a good match on the solids or veneers? What does the depth of the finish look like? How thick is the spec book provided to the designer? I have lines that have books 1''-5''. The more options, the thicker the book! once you hit 2'', you ought to have enough options to do 100% of what you have determined to be the actual physical needs of your kitchen, and likely a good number of wants as well. If you go mid grade, then the decisions are largely going to be down to aesthetic ones instead of parsing structural differences. You have to develop your own list of needs in the aesthetic realm, ranking things according to your criteria. Is white traditional looking cabinetry a need to you because you live in a historic district in a historic house? Or would quarter sawn oak for a Craftsman with original woodwork be the more correct choice? Or how about slab wood cabinets for a MCM Eschler? Choosing the correct cabinet style for the ''bones'' of the house is always a good way to spend your money. So check to see which lines your local dealer offers that fills that need. Most mid grade lines will be able to do whatever you need and want, so at that point, you really need to be shopping Kitchen Designers, not brands. A good KD can guide you to the best line for maximizing your budget. Find a good match there, and you don't really need to do the nuts and bolts research, unless that just appeals to you!