Sounds like something you'd have to have made up custom. Ownders/builders of older houses used all kinds of special millwork and carpentry that often isn't practiced to do the high cost of labor and materials.

You might want to draw a picture and if your carpenter can't get a handle on a design, talk to a cabinet maker, look up 'cabinet maker' or 'custom cabinets' in your phonebook and find one that makes cabinetry and custom millwork. They'll have all the shop equipment to fabricate the unit and your carpenter can then install it for you.

Thanks for the reply. I knew it would be custom, and I can draw it fairly well, what I need are photos of actual houses with this type vent. So far, I'm getting a lot of head scratching and crazy looks. I was hoping for reference or a picture so that I don't sound like I am inventing this. Am I googling the wrong term? What are these things?
NN

try ci.glendale.ca.us/planning/CraftsmanSurvey or try ci.glendale.ca.us and type in Craftsman Survey in the searchbox.
On page 22 of the Craftsman Style Guide there are photos of decorative gable vents and there is one called "Vertical Slat Vent with Decorative Cut-Out." Honestly.
Unfortunately the photo is dark, but you can still see the cut-out design if you look closely.
I did a google search too, just to see if I could help you. After alot of searching, I came to the above website. What makes it funny is that I live in Glendale.

THAT'S IT! THank you, thank you, thank you! This is a great resource.
NN