Wonderful antique Victorian to early Edwardian era Black Forest hand carved 9 1/8" 2-tier decorative or jewelry box or chest, a fabulous casket with ornate carved vines, flowers & foliage around the front and sides, delightful two bird figural top and wonderful 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. Looks like there might be chips to the tips of the birds' wings and upper bird's beak. There is a subtle bend to the top lid but the box closes completely. The right front foot also appears to have a glued break to the upper scrolled portion. The interior has the original purple silk or satin lining with blue piping, all in wonderful shape but missing some piping in the lid and right side upper compartment. Original lock & hardware but missing the key. See pictures for all measurements.
