Antique Black Forest Hand Carved Wooden Bear Nutcracker with Glass Eyes c1880-1910
This dramatic, hand carved Bear nutcracker is a fine example of Black Forest wood carving. It depicts the head of a rather ferocious looking Eurasian Brown Bear and has inset glass eyes, accentuating its wildness and the lifelike quality of this detailed carving. The piece stands upright on a tabletop when opened. The nutcracker of this type is located at the back below the hinge joint of the rear handle. This piece was used for nut-cracking properly as well as improperly in the mouth.
As a result there is wear to the teeth (see photos) and a minor chip in the carved fur at the back of the head (on the upper right portion of the opening created by the hinged rear handle). Otherwise the piece is intact, the dark patina is old and appealing and the very high quality of the carving is clearly evident. Structurally sound with no repairs. The inset glass eyes are intact and original.
No restoration to the original finish/patina. There is some wear to the teeth and in the rear cavity under the hinge of the rear handle intended for nut-cracking, as well as a minor chip in the carved fur (see photos & description for details). Stands 6-7/8 tall when opened. Width: 2-3/16"; 5-1/4" deep when open/standing; 3-1/8 deep when closed.