First thing to tell is that we photographed this one very soon after cleanup and our usual wood oil and beeswax preserving treatment and that is why it's shiny. It will fully absorb and will not be shiny. There is no shellac nor varnish - only the original stained wood.Not the 'fruits of the hunt' carvings I love most, but with superb carvings of mountain flowers and brach-like edging plus all-over incised carving designs, including the inner drawer and cigar trays. I'd guesstimate this is c.1900-1920s, is very nicely preserved. Double hinged top folds up and displays back when you serve cigars, 5 trays will hold up to 55 cigars (each has 11 carved fittings 5.5" long). Additionally, the drawer at bottom holds smoker's implements, cigar cutter, and/or more cigars. It is a server, not a humidor. Please do not try to add water - it will warp and ruin it. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, about 100 years old now. I can see 2 flaws to note: visible really only from the sides, the top panel is slightly warped upward at front and back - it isn't visible unless you're looking directly at it from either side. It is evenly so, which makes it less problematic. There is one chip to a long bas relief grass leaf on backside. I've added in an enlarged photo (beneath the one of the box's bottom) to show that chip. Underside of the leaf, it doesn't show from most viewing angles. A large and elegant one, entirely hand carved Swiss Black Forest chest.
