Anybody who has read my blogs or articles in Devon Life will know that my two great loves are Austrian cold painted bronzes and Swiss carved 'Black Forest' wares. Imagine my delight when a client brought in an object that combines both areas of collecting.
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A large Austrian cold painted bronze humidor modelled in the form of a carved wood 'Black Forest' bear's head. The head hinged to reveal a tobacco jar with interior weight and lid, a vesta dish and a strike pad on the bear's tongue. The head measures 23cm. high and 20cm. wide.
Having examined all the folds in the fur I cannot find a Bergman vase stamp or any other marks that you would expect on an Austrian cold painted bronze, but I will keep on looking. You can just imagine this jar sitting on a table in a Black Forest hunting lodge whilst hunters sit around smoking a pipe after the days exertions.
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This cold painted bronze bear will be included in our Fine Sale early in the New Year on the 26th & 27th January 2011, and carries an estimate of £1500-2000.
