Black Forest Carved Watch Box, Edelweiss on Both Faces, c.1900
A Swiss Black Forest carved walnut box made to hold a pocket watch at the bedside or on a desk, decorated front and back with edelweiss in deep relief.
The carving follows the Brienz workshop tradition: an edelweiss with its star of pointed petals worked over a finely stippled ground, framed by scalloped borders on a fluted, barrel-cut body. The watch sits face up in a circular recess, 3.5cm across, lined in green baize. The arched carved cover is hinged at the top and folds down over the watch to shield the glass, then lifts clear when the watch is in use. It measures 9.5 by 5cm.
Edelweiss is the flower of the Swiss Alps, and boxes carved with it were made in and around Brienz from the 1880s onward, sold to travellers alongside the region's carved bears, chalets and leafwork. This one is cut more crisply than most, the flower carried across both faces rather than a single panel.
The walnut is sound and solid with no cracks or splits, and the hinge folds cleanly. The green baize is original, worn and faded with age but intact and stuck down. There are small chips to the scalloped edges consistent with its years. It carries no maker's mark, as most Brienz work does not. Unrestored throughout.
