Hand Carved Turtle & Owl

A close friend of mine is a well renown gunsmith. He only works on original relics of the 17th and 18th century firearms and is known across the country for his knowledge of and skilled repair of the arms of this era.
I recently went to him for advise and help to repair a finely engraved flintlock shotgun and I felt that it needed his expertise.
On the shelf of his cluttered workshop, I saw a carving of a turtle that he carved. I told him that I would like to have one for myself, and, If he could find the time to carve me one of these turtles. He gave me the proverbial response " yea sure, if I get around to it".
He telephoned me about two months later, and said, " I have your turtle". I said that I would be down to his shop in the afternoon sometime, and asked how much cash should I bring. He said $30.00. I said ok, see you in a while.
Upon arriving, I saw the turtle on the table and he said that he carved an owl for me if I wanted. The price was also $30.00. I said to sign the bottom of the carvings, and I paid him. He would only take $30.00 for the owl and the turtle together.
I cherish these signed carvings. to me they are a work of art by an artisan who still maintains his love of wildlife and his skill to make a superb likeness when he is in his late 80's.