Such a rare treat, something like this - fragile as carved wood is, it's incredible that there is so little imperfection to this extra large double inkwell, desk stand with latticed pen tray and a covered desk box. The large original glass inkwells still each are with the stand and still have their carved acorn caps. We'd date this one c.1880-perhaps as late as 1915, and by a Master Swiss carver. The carved bird protecting her nest and eggs up top has suffered a broken wing at some point, but is mostly unscathed by time. Lots of photos to show it form all views and angles. I found it in France, but it is from the Swiss carvers, Black Forest. Measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The old carved Black Forest items almost never survive without some loss, or a bit of damage. This one has a little but not much. The base of the desk stand is incredible, a lattice of branches making up the openwork pen tray, no breaks at all there. You will see one acorn broken from the inkwell lid of one inkwell. Also, as noted above, the high wing on the bird has suffered a break and has an old repair that is slightly crude. Tip of wing blunted. The tail has not suffered any loss. Possibly tips of leaves lost to the ages here or there, also. No chips or damage to either of the blown glass inkwells, which are generous in size.
