Wonderful antique Victorian to early Edwardian era Black Forest hand carved 8 7/8" desk top decorative or jewelry casket, a fabulous casket with ornate carved vines & foliage, large two bird figural top and undeniable visual appeal! A few flaws here but, as you can see, it's as impressive visually as can be with the lighter finish, raised vines & leaves around the sides and that large figural grouping on the lid!
If you've followed us for a while you know I'm a big fan of the old hand carved "Black Forest" items that come to us from 19th century Switzerland, Germany, parts of France and Italy, where they pleased the Grand Tour tourists and still please us all today. These hand carved treasures range from whimsical small bears to large and elaborate mantel clocks, wall clocks, wall plaques showing the most awesome anatomical studies of stag, fowl, "fruits of the hunt". I've got more to list so look through the vast collection. I've just used quite a few piece in our own 2nd home decoration , Rocky Mountains location, and love the look as well as the heritage since my own ancestors hail from that region and others. The pieces work well in Country Manor, French Country, Ski Lodge or Hunt Lodge and even in a den or office. Everything from a pocket watch case to huge plaques - from needle and thread holders to cigar caddy - these decorative objects survive today a testament to the artisan's craft of carving wood.
Very good condition, age considered. As noted in the pictures, the right side bird's rear wing has been broken off and carved down so it's not all that noticeable. Two chips at the rear lower corners and it would originally have had feet at the corners, only the faint outline of where they were is visible. There is also one small piece of molding missing from the right side of the front. A few small chips elsewhere. The interior has a blue silk or satin lining in the lid, paper lining in the base and the darker blue velvet lining in the sides is a restoration but from antique velvet. Original lock & hardware but missing the key. See pictures for all measurements.
