Black Forest Boxes
BLACK FOREST STYLE
Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.
Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.
The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.
As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.
Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: Black Forest
Masterfully Carved Swiss Black Forest Wooden Chalet Antique Jewelry & Music Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved Black Forest work-of-art-box.
Over the years we have owned and sold a variety of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th centu...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wooden Chest or Trunk Shape Jewelry / Cigar Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent workmanship and very cool looking antique box.
This 19th century and all handcrafted box is perfect for decorating the interior of your lodge, but also in a home environme...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century black forest carved wood casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A superb quality 19th Century black forest caved wood casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a large compartment space, has the origin...
Category
1870s British Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Antique Black forest jewelry carved walnut swiss 19th century Flowers and bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true work of art, this stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is fully hand-carved and a remarkable example of craftsmanship. Nearly 150 years old, the woo...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Wooden Black Forest Casket with Antlers Decoration circa 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Black Forest casket with antlers decoration circa 1900s
A marvelous rustic wooden casket or cigar box. It is made of handcarved pine wood p...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Antler, Wood
large oval Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box walnut 3 birds
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art, featuring a rare oval shape. Nearly 150 years old, the walnut wood has developed a remarka...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewelry box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland.
A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Large & Rare, Late 1800s Hand Crafted Wooden Carriage Novelty Cigar Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Large, masterly hand-crafted and amazing condition wooden antique coach cigar holder.
If you are a collector of truly unique antiques in general and of cigar or carriage related pieces in particular then this one of a kind centerpiece could be flying your way soon. Over the years we have sold a few antique novelty cigar holders, but never one of this size and never in the form of a carriage. Back in the day when this type of carriages were the means of transportation for only the wealthiest of western societies, smoking cigars certainly was a manly thing to do and very much 'en vogue'. Smoking cigars also proved that you had made it in this world. For all those reasons, this hand-crafted carriage cigar holder has always been and always will be a statement piece. We, as antique enthousiast, first and foremost fell in love with the workmanship and with the honest and timeless way in which this carriage was hand-crafted. We also love how perfectly balanced and realistic it is and for us to have been given the opportunity to buy yet another unique antique and in such amazing condition again felt like a blessing. The former owner, in our view, had gone a little overboard in trying to be the best custodian, because he kept this unique antique in an aquarium-like glass dome. He certainly succeeded, because this carriage cigar holder is in THE best possible condition. The quality in the details and the overal balance of this coach mixed with the warm patina of the antique wood is what makes this aesthetically pleasing antique a real gem to own and to look at. We believe this work of antique craftsmanship is of museum quality and condition and no matter where you decide to have it on display, this work of art will never fail to impress. In all honesty who would not be impressed (and amused) when being offered a cigar that is in the door of a large, handcrafted, 19th century model carriage...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood Birds Band Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & breathtaking! This 19th century black forest jewelry box carved out of fruitwood.
Carved by a master carver with at...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fabric, Fruitwood
19th Century black forest walnut casket
Located in Martlesham, GB
A good quality 19th Century black forest walnut casket, having wonderful crisp carving throughout, the hinged top lifting up to reveal a velvet lined interior, the top having a finel...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Antique Swiss Black Forest Dark Brown Carved Wood Glove Box, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900
This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box.
In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Metal
19th Century Black Forest Carved Dresser Box with Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand carved Black Forest dresser box made from Linden wood. The top is wonderfully carved with a central panel which has hand carved...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Mirror, Fruitwood
Black Forest Hand-Carved Dog Head Tobacco Jar in the manner of Walter Mader
By Walter Mäder
Located in San Francisco, CA
How can this not make you smile? This well-carved antique Black Forest box of an expressive shaggy dog with glass eyes, forward gaze, open m...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Antique Carved Black Forest Triple Postage Stamp Box, Owl, Glass Eyes
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous hand carved wooden postage stamp box from the Black Forest region and dating to around 1900.
The sides are carved but the star of the show is the central carved owl to ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Black Forest Bronze Decorative Box by Leopold Oudry & Cie.
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined French lidded box, embelished all around with floral motifs in Black Forest style. Made of casted bronze with the original brown patina finish. The box is marked, L. Oudry & Cie. With key, lock is not working.
Léopold Oudry...
Category
1860s French Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Copper
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Thatched Roof Cottage Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic and rare example of Black Forest folk art, a tour de force of carving by a master woodworker. This lift top box in the form of a thatched cottage has many wonderful details...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Liquor Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century Black Forest carved liquor set. The exterior of the box is hand-carved in design as a wood log cabinet, the rectangular Black Forest tantalus is decorated on the top wi...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Rare Hand Carved Black Forest Box w. Inlaid Enameled Playing Cards & Chips Boxes
Located in Lisse, NL
Entirely carved antique box for playing cards with inlaid, enameled miniature cards on top, ca 1880.
If you are a collector of rare and stylish hand carved Black Forest antiques in ...
Category
19th Century European Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Iron, Copper, Brass
Rare & Hand-Carved Ratan Basket Design Black Forest Jewelry Box with Lock & Key
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique hand-carved box with roses on top.
This rare Black Forest box from circa 1870-1880 has the most beautiful design and details and it can be used for all kinds of purposes. The oval shaped ratan...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Felt, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Black Forest carved box.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Rare Black Forest Alpine Ibex Wood Box, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Rare and unusual Black Forest box in the shape of wood log with a large wood carved Alpine ibex or bouquetin, circa 1890.
The carved bouquetin is 5" height and the box is 8".
Category
1890s French Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Hanging Wall Box
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Black Forest small hanging wall box. The entire piece is hand carved to have the appearance of boards with hand carved appearance of gra...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Fan Case
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century hand-carved fruitwood fan case from Switzerland. This is a lovely and interesting little piece which would look great on a dresser, or in a bookcase for display. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Cave a Liqueur Decanter Set in Carved Box with St Louis Crystal Decanters/Stems
Located in Houston, TX
This cave a liqueur set is truly special because the box is exquisitely
Carved and has the original beveled glass. The decanters and stem
Ware are by St. Louis and the original la...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Crystal
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Victorian Miniature Black forest Antler Casket 1860
A marvelous antique rustic casket. It is made of wood, veneered with antler pieces. On top an antler plaque...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Antler, Wood
Rare Antique 4 Tier Black Forest Jewelry Box Fruitwood 19th Century Hand Carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A beautiful, very finely carved antique black forest jewellery box from the late 19th/ early 20th century made in Switzerland.
A large and impressive four-tiered piece with 6 swing o...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Cigar Box Humidor House
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood musical Cigar box Humidor with built in music box
A very good looking and well ...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Display Box with Etched Glass and A Carved Fox
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (4th Quarter 19th Century) walnut carved table top display cabinet box with etched glass inset panels and floral carving ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut, Glass
Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Black Forest Carved Walnut Jewellery Box
A beautiful looking, well made piece, it is hand carved all over with woodcock and fauna decorations. B...
Category
1880s Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
CARVED BLACK FOREST WOOD SMOKiNG PIPE CABINET BOX LATIN INSCRIBED NIL NISI CRUCE
By Black Forest
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, hand carved Black Forest wood, smoking pipe cabinet or rack with inscribed top reading "Nil N...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Original Antique Grape Vine Carved Black Forest Wood Music Box Needs Service
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this antique original circa 1880 Black Forest Wood music box with grape vine carving to the top
A very good lookin...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Oval jewelry box carved walnut swiss 19th century Black forest
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This exceptional 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art, featuring a rare oval shape. Nearly 150 years old, the walnut wood has developed a beau...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique Black Forest Style Wooden Carved Trinket Box or Bucket Owl, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest style oak wood carved trinket box or bucket in a shape of an owl, from circa 1920.
An impressive, large, and beautiful German Black Forest style hand-carved wooden trinket box...
Category
1920s German Vintage Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Metal
Large Size & Great Quality Carved Jewelry, Treasure or Collecting Box / Casket
Located in Lisse, NL
A beautiful and top condition antique black forest jewelry box, carved on all sides.
This rare and large jewelry box makes a beautiful accessory for a lady with an eye for fine arts. It is a very well fine carved gem and highly practical with a good working lock and key. The detailed leafs, branches and flowers on top
and the marvelous blue...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Brass
Exquisite openly carved 19th century Swiss Black Forest jewelry box walnut bird
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true work of art, this stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is fully hand-carved and a remarkable example of craftsmanship. Nearly 150 years old, the woo...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
Antique Black forest Cigar box / Humidor 19th Century carved deer Walnut Swiss
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare and impressive, this 19th-century hand-carved Swiss Black Forest cigar box is crafted from rich walnut, offering a stunning patina that has developed over nearly 150 years. The ...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
GERMANY 1870 Black Forest Oversized Cigar Humidor Box In Solid Carved Oak Wood
By Black Forest
Located in Miami, FL
A German cigar humidor box carved in oak wood.
This is a fabulous oversized black forest humidor box created in northern Europe, most probably in Germany or Switzerland, back in the...
Category
1870s German Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Trunk on Goat Hoofs Amazing Shape & Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Larger than average and beautiful trunk.
It is not often that you find antiques of this age and beauty in such remarkable condition. You would think that in the course of a 125+ yea...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood, Pine
Exquisite 19th Century antique Swiss fully hand carved Black forest Jewelry box
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
A true masterpiece, this fully hand-carved 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a remarkable work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed an extraor...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique swiss 19th century Black Forest jewelry box Hounds & Wolf hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This extraordinary 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true work of art. Nearly 150 years old, the wood boasts an incredible patina that only enhances its bea...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Swiss Black Forest Carved Wood Bear Head Lidded Tobacco Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of large scale, the well-delineated and intricately carved head of a dog with hat motif lid; the expressive face with glass eyes and large snout; most likely from the Black forest ar...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved black forest humidor with a figure of a dog and cat. The cat is atop a barrel, which has a lid which lifts to reveal a compartment for tobacco. The barrel is sitting on a base with hand-carved sticks and logs and an upside down hunting hat...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Rare 2 tier Swiss 19th century Black Forest Jewelry box hand carved Fox & bird.
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This incredibly rare two-tier Swiss Black Forest jewelry box is fully hand-carved from a single block of wood, making it a true masterpiece. What sets this box apart is its unique de...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th century Swiss Black Forest jelwery box with 3 birds hand carved
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This stunning 19th-century Black Forest jewelry box from Switzerland is a true masterpiece. Nearly 150 years old, the wood has developed a rich patina that enhances its beauty and ch...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century hand-carved humidor in the form of a dog's head. The dog is very whimsical with a hat, which lifts to reveal a compartment for storage and finished with a cigar and a bo...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Humidor
Located in High Point, NC
19th century black forest humidor hand-carved in the shape of a dog's head. His hat lifts to reveal storage for tobacco or cigars. The carving on this piece is wonderfully detailed a...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Fruitwood
Stunning Original Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Wood Jewellery Box
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this rather lovely antique original circa 1880 black forest wood jewellery box
A very good looking and well made piece, it is hand carved all...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Rustic Cottage Jewelry or Trinket Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique hand carved Black Forest jewelry or trinket box is unsigned but presumed to have been made in either Germany or Switzerland in circa 1920 in the signature Black Forest s...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Softwood
Rustic Black Forest Humidor Box
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest (19thcentury) walnut carved humidor box with faux wood design and smoking motif on top (interior of top has smoking accessories...
Category
19th Century Antique Black Forest Boxes
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Black Forest boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest boxes made in a specific country, there are Europe, Switzerland, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original boxes, popular names associated with this style include and Black Forest. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $356 and tops out at $8,250 while the average work can sell for $1,600.