Description:

Black Forest Figural Carved Lock-Side Chest, Wirth Brothers, Brienz, Switzerland
late 19th century
surmounted by a broken arch crest with Pan (God of music) carved in the cartouche, above two griffins holding shields which flank a medallion carved with putti, the eight drawers with foliate carved pulls are numbered 9 through 16, signed on the medallion "Wirth Fres"
78 1/2 x 23 x 16 1/2 inches

    Provenance:
  • Collection of Florence R. Rose of Rogersville, Missouri 1974-1984. Given in 1984 to Wanda of Beverly Hills, California, and then collected from an estate, Taos, New Mexico.
  • Literature:
  • Blackman, Peter F. 2009. Black Forest Woodcarvings: The History of Swiss Brienzerware. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
  • Notes:
  • The Gebrüder Wirth (Wirth Brothers) furniture workshop was a preeminent group of "Black Forest" woodworkers in Brienz, Switzerland. Presumably, this piece is from that workshop. Gebrüder Wirth also established locations in Paris and London and participated in numerous World Expositions in the 19th century. With the sophisticated classical carving and intricate cabinet construction, as well as the prominent Wirth Fres. signature (Wirth Brothers en Francais), it is possible this was a showpiece in the Wirth Paris shop or at the Paris exposition.
  • Condition:
  • Very good overall refinished condition. The shell-carved crest with a small repair. The strike plate for the lock is missing.

    The absence of a condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the lot. Please inquire for a detailed condition report.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Many of the items we sell qualify for arranged shipping (USA only); please view the "Notes" section under the item to see if it qualifies. If your item is eligible and you would like this service, do not pay your invoice yet. Please email [email protected] and we will send you an updated invoice. Please read the remaining details about this in our terms.

For items that do not qualify for arranged shipping, we have a list of recommended shippers: https://www.fontainesauction.com/buy-sell/shipping-firms/. You also have the option of working with any shipper of your choice. All shipping arrangements should be made directly with the shipper. Please provide the shipper with your name, auction name/date and the lot number of the item(s). Payment for shipping is due directly to the shipper. Fontaine's does not recommend any shipper over another and assumes no responsibility for error or omission by any third-party agent. Fontaine's must receive payment for your purchase and a confirmation for release before we can release your property to the shipper of your choice.

May 20, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Pittsfield, MA, US

Fontaine's Auction Gallery

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $249 $25
$250 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $24,999 $1,000
$25,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $149,999 $5,000
$150,000 + $10,000