Fabulous antique Victorian to early Edwardian era Black Forest hand carved 16 3/4" tall wall or bracket shelf with ornate pierced or reticulated vines & foliage decoration and large hunt themed trophy style chamois or mountain goat figure in solid carved wood with large two-toned glass eyes! What a beautiful piece! Perfect for displaying a lovely old mantel clock or carved sculptural piece though it better be good or the shelf will get all of the attention! The shelf surface on this one is a later restoration but works just fine for use and display. The chamois figure the treasure here, large and magnificent. Marvelous detail and immense visual & decorative appeal. Don't miss it!
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. As noted above, the actual shelf surface is a later restoration, likely replacing a badly damaged or warped original. Possibly a chipped ear or leaf tip or two but, as you can see, there are no larger defects, damage or repairs to note. See pictures for all measurements.
