Original antique "Black Forest" carved desk tidy / ink well from Switzerland.
Well carved with a lovely patina and free from damage.
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Black Forrest carvings originated in the town of Brienz in the early 1800's and first appeared in the UK as souvenirs taken home by young backpackers returning from the "Grand Tour", essentially a road trip around Europe and beyond that was popular among recently graduated upper class men. The fact the they originated from the black forest in southern Germany is a common misconception.
The carvings gained greater attention and popularity after they were exhibited in the London Great Exhibition of1851 and Chicago Worlds Faire 1893.