Black Forest Articulated bear toy

ANTIQUE BLACK FOREST HAND CARVED ARTICULATED BEAR WALL HANGING TOY CIRCA 1880's This is intricately hand carved with mechanical arms and legs, when the cord is pulled the bear’s arms and legs lift up and down to make it dance. It has a painted mouth and ears and tiny little glass eyes- not to be confused with more modern replicas. This bear remains in remarkably good condition given its age and that it was a children's toy. Certainly for the last 80 years or so it has been stored safely in a cupboard. There is very little wear and tear and still has the original string and hook fastening. There is slight wearing to the red paint at the front of his mouth. Please see photos for more details. Approx 25cm / 10 inches high. No makers mark that I can see Black Forest carvings were thought to originate in Bavaria, and are referred to as German. This ia a really lovely piece of Black Forest Folk Art, and a rare opportunity for any collector to get such an early piece as this. It is a reluctant sale as its been in my family for many generations. Check out my other listings for more interesting collectables....more

Molly B

United Kingdom