Delightful antique Victorian to early Edwardian era Black Forest hand carved toothpick or match holder, a rare cat figure crouched in front of an oval barrel style basket or bucket! Fantastic and we all know cats, dogs and farm animals are among the less seen of the Black Forest critters. Great in the kitchen with toothpicks or matches, fireplace mantel? Fabulous!
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. A few small nips to the carving, possibly some applied leaf tips missing from the right side of the base and rubbing or wear to the cat's ears. See pictures for measurements.
