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Black Forest Animal Sculptures

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
Black Forest Swiss 1880s Carved Wooden Grazing Cow with Bell on Neck
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest Swiss hand-carved wooden cow from circa 1880. This exquisitely hand-carved wooden cow is a pristine example of Black Forest artistry from circa 1880, originating from ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Carved Wooden Black Forest Standing Bear Sculpture Table / Desk Lamp
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful quality and perfect condition bear desk lamp. If you are a collector of rare, very good quality and highly decorative Black Forest bear sculptures then this fine specimen...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Hide, Wood, Paint

Antique Late 1800s Black Forest Pipe with Hand Carved Deer and Stag Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
All handcrafted gentleman's or hunter's pipe from circa 1890. For the collectors of antique Black Forest carvings in general and of rare pipes in particular, we also have this Swi...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Finest Quality Antique Hand Carved & Painted Black Forest Boar / Hog Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Amazing workmanship and mint Black Forest boar wall sculpture. This perfect condition antique wooden sculpture of a wild hog on a wall plaque originates from the German Black Forest...
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19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Wood Eagle Vase
Located in Austin, TX
French Black Forest carved wood eagle vase , circa 1880. Height / 10.3 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood eagle
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood eagle, naturalistically carved with wings outstretched, perched on a rocky outcrop, the base with a rubbed metal maker’s plaque most probably for Binder ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique & Large Black Forest Gun / Rifle Rack w. Hand Carved Deer Head Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive Black Forest rack for hunting guns, circa 1870-1890. If you are looking for the perfect antique to decorate one of the walls in your hunting room, home office o...
Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Black Forest Hand Carved Large & Extremely Rare Beaver and Bear Pair Table Lamps
Located in Lisse, NL
For the collectors of extremely rare Black Forest animal carvings. With a combined 35+ years of experience in selling Black Forest antiques we have never seen a pair of table lamps ...
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Early 20th Century European Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

Black Forest Linden Wood Carved Swiss Bear Glass Eyes
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Black Forest Linden wood naturalistically carved strolling bear with original glass eyes, crafted in Brienz. This exquisitely carved lindenwood piece features realistic details. A...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Softwood

19th C Black Forest Stag Head Antler Wall Mount Deer Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
German, 19th century. A large scale and finely carved Black Forest deer or stag head. The deer head made of carved wood and original glass eyes and artist inset original antlers. T...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Antler, Glass, Wood

A Beatifully Hand-carved Brienz Black forest Hall Stand with a Mama Bear and Cub
Located in Dallas, TX
A beatifully 19th Century hand-carved Brienz black forest hall stand with a mama bear and cub, this naturalistically carved hall stand depicts a standing moma bear next to a tree, w...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Antique & Large Black Forest Inkstand w. Capercaillie / Wood Grouse Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest and rare antique Black Forest inkstand. If you are a collector of decorative and rare Black Forest antiques then this entirely handcarved inkstand could be gracing your home...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

19th century carved black forest ibex sculpture linden wood
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fantastic black forest carving on impressive proportions circa 1890. Features 4 european ibex of varying age and scale standing on carved rocks and foliage.  We have owned many black forest sculptures...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Oak

Large Wooden Black Forest Bear Flower Stand, Handcarved in Brienz 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Black Forest Bear Flower Stand, Handcarved in Brienz 1900s A antique statue of a standing bear flower stand. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with naturalistic det...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Carved Fox Whip Holder or Wall Hook ca. 1900s A handcarved cabin decor style coat hook or whip holder showing a fox with a gun. The hooks are made from genuine chamois ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

3 carved Black Forest miniature Bears 1910s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice set of Three carved Black Forest Bears . In different poses . one sitting with a Aluminum pot .one lying down . and one standing on all Four ....
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

A Swiss Black Forest hand carved wood study of a St Bernard Mountain rescue dog
Located in Central England, GB
A Swiss Black Forest hand carved limewood study of a St Bernard Mountain rescue dog. This very pleasing and beautifully hand carved small black forest lime wood study is of a seated...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Black Forest Bronze Wall Sculpture Bulldog Doghouse
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A refined wall sculpture of a Bulldog coming out of a doghouse with a branch in its mouth. Made of brown patinated bronze. With refined casting details such as the wood grain of the ...
Category

1880s German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Fine Carved Statue of a Staghound, circa 1920 A wooden carved statue of a staghound. It is carved as half relief out of one piece of nutwood. Made in Brienz, Switzerland circa 1920....
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Mantel Clock with Eagle and Chamois Family, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Mantel Clock with Eagle and Chamois Family, ca. 1900 A large Black Forest wooden carved mantel clock with an eagle on top and a chamois defending her child. The clock is embedded in a handcarved wood pile. A masterpiece of Brienz woodcarvings which brightens up any chimney piece. The clockwork is cleaned and overworked by a clockmaker - working order. Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Hunt Trophies Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
These elegant antique wall plaques were crafted in the Alps of Switzerland, circa 1880. The trophies compositions are displayed on a scalloped board decorated with leaf motifs around...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Group of Carved Cattles with Glass Vase Inset, Brienz ca. 1890 A rare group of naturalistically carved cattles - bull, female cattle and young cattle standing around a stump. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Cut Glass, Wood

Antique German Black Forest Style Carved Owl Sculpture with Glass Eyes, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
An antique Black Forest style hand-carved Lindenwood owl sculpture, Germany, circa 1920. This impressive naturalistically carved dark brown wooden owl with glass eyes, sitting on a w...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Figural Black Forest Nutcracker c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous late Victorian Black Forest Nutcracker beautifully carved with a fabulous rich dark colour and good bright patina. The Monkey still...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Painted Iron Bird Wall Trophies on Walnut Plaques
Located in Dallas, TX
These large heavy antique trophy plaques were created in France, circa 1880. Set on oval walnut board, each wall hanging decor feature a detailed spelter carved bird in high relief, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Spelter

Antique & Mint, Top Quality Carved Black Forest Lumberjack Bear w. Axe Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredible craftsmanship from early 1900s Switzerland. This type of detail and finesse in Black Forest carvings is a rare find. The quality of the natural poisture, the rare design ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Barney Bellinger King Size Black Forest Bed
By Barney Bellinger
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Barney Bellinger king size bed made in the Adirondack rustic form with an original oil painting in the headboard of a bear on the shore of the Shoshone River in Wyoming. This is a on...
Category

Early 2000s American Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Form Table Top "Butler" Display A captivating blend of artistry and functionality, this ...
Category

20th Century German Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

A pair of fine Black Forest hand carved linden wood bears, Swiss circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This delightful pair of Swiss/ German black forest carved linden wood seated bears is rarely available as an original pair. They are beautifully hand carved and are left and right ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Mantel Clock with Herdsman Family, Goats and Cattle A Black Forest wooden carved mantel clock with a lovely herdsman family with their goats and cattles. A masterpiece of woodcarving which brightens up any chimney piece. The clockwork is replaced by battery driven one - working order. Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks with feet...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Finely Carved Wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1920 A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, circa 1920. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood carving...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Black Forest Carved Eagle Sculpture Wall Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
This unusual antique mirror was crafted in the Alps region of France, circa 1880. The whimsical mirror features a large eagle sculpture with win...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Mercury Glass, Oak

Bird Nest Key Rack Holder Pincushion Wall Mount Folk Art German Black Forest
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely key holder board made of hand carved wood, made in the Black Forest area in Germany. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. It is not marked, but dated 1891. A nice ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Hunt Plaque Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Rare antique large German black forest hunt scene wall plaque trophy depicting a Rabbit and powder Horn. Wonderful Trophy of the Hunt for your Black Forest Collection. This is a truly fine carved older piece. Great lodge or ski cabin...
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Bear 1920s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice black forest bear. Hand carved 1920s. Good condition.
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of 19th Century Swiss Carved Black Forest Trophy Plaques Hunting Deer Stag
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Stunning craftsmanship! This pair of 19th century Black Forest hunting Trophy plaques from Brienz Switzerland. Fully carved from solid ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Large & Finest Quality, Antique Carved Nutwood Swiss Black Forest Bull Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Museum quality and condition, hand carved livestock sculpture. This marvelous bull is for the collectors of the rarest and best quality Black Forest sculptures. Incredibly detailed,...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Nutwood

Pair of Swiss 19th Century Bear Carvings from the Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A pair of miniature black forest bear carvings Constructed using linden wood, the animals naturalistically carved, and with colored highl...
Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Swiss Black Forest Dog Group Walter Mader (attributed)
By Walter Mäder
Located in Newark, England
Featuring a Dog with Pups Rare Swiss Black Forest Dog group. The group modelled as a smooth coat St. Bernard female with her three puppies. The...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Black Forest Carved Bear circa 1900
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Black Forest carved walking bear. Fine hand carved detail with original glass eyes. Linden wood. Dimensions: H 22cm W 15cm D 11.5cm Origin: Swiss Date: Circa 1890 Item...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Swiss Black Forest Hand Carved Bear, circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
A wonderful black Forest sculpture of a striding bear carved in both a realistic and expressionistic style. The bear shown walking forward on al...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Wooden Bear Pencil Holder Handcarved in Brienz, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage wooden bear pencil holder hand carved in Brienz circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a Black Forest bear holding a pencil. Made of lindenwood,...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Swiss Black Forest Carved St. Bernard
Located in Newark, England
Fine and rare Swiss Black Forest carved St. Bernard Dog relaxed laying down with its head resting. The figure carved from a single piece of wood beautifully sculptured with a natural...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Fine 'Black Forest' Linden Wood Model of a Standing Bull, Swiss, circa 1890
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine 'Black Forest' linden wood model of a standing bull, Swiss, circa 1890.
Category

1880s European Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Carved and Stained Walnut Bear
Located in Stamford, CT
Very fine carving of a black forest bear walking on all fours paws. The life-like bear realistically carved and stained by a master craftsman. The eyes inset...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Hand-Carved Fruitwood Black Forest Bear Germany, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Black Forest bear. Striking German design from the 1920s. Hand-carved fruitwood sculpture of a life-like bear walking on all four paws. Rare because of the hand-...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

19th century Carved Walnut Black Forest Bear / Cigar Holder
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century Continental carved walnut bear / cigar holder. In the style of Black Forest, German, Possibly Russian. The complex form of a classic dancing bear on hind legs. Stan...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

circa 1900 Miniature Model of a Black Forest Bear Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1900 Miniature Model of Black Forest Bear Bench. "Black Forest" is a term to describe elaborate, realistic wood carvings from an area in ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Carved Black Forest Style Cane Stand with Bear Figure
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very solid black forest style bear carving serving as a cane and umbrella stand. A standing bear figure holding the open oval support for umbrellas and ...
Category

20th Century Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Carved Seated Bear Figure
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique black forest carved seated bear sculpture An adorable and masterfully hand-carved figure of a seated bear. Switzerland, circa 1900...
Category

Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Carved Wood Black Forest Chamois & Eagle
Located in Austin, TX
Antique fine 19th Black Forest carved wood chamois and eagle, circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Black Forest glass eye Bear 1920s Germany .
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Hand carved Black Forest Wooden Bear ,Glass Eyes ,
Category

1910s German Vintage Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

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 Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique circa 1880 Collectable Black Forest Hand Carved Fox Whip Hook Glass Eyes
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, stunning, original circa 1880 Swiss made Black Forest wood, Fox whip hook with glass eyes Thes...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Linden Wood Carved Bear Tobacco Box, circa 1900
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Black Forest seated carved bear as a tobacco jar. Finely carved detail. Original glass eyes. Linden Wood. Dimensions: H 25cm W 15cm D 20cm Origin: Swiss Date: circa 1900 ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Hand Carved in Switzerland, circa 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Wooden Statue of a Walking Bear Handcarved in Switzerland circa 1930s. A vintage statue of a strolling bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved and handpainted with naturalistic details in Brienz, Switzerland ca. 1930s. A nice example of the famous Black Forest Woodcarvings made in Switzerland. The tradition of wood carving in Brienz dates back to mid of the 19th century. People in the region were looking for new employment opportunities. They used their skills from traditional crafts, carving everyday objects and sculptures, and created a new business. Many woodcarvers where trained in the 'School of Wood Carving, Brienz' which was established in 1884. Around 1900 the woodcarving industry counted ca. 2000 woodcarvers. Brienz woodcarvings were presented on several worlds fairs with great success. With the Gran Tour Tourism wealthy people from all over the word visited the area and took their woodcarving souvenirs home. Today some companies, like 'Huggler Holzbildhauerei' still exist and build traditional sculptures. Measures: Length: 11.02" (28 cm) Width: 3.94" (10 cm) Height: 6.69" (17 cm) Literature Reference: Peter F. Blackman, Black Forest Woodcarvings, Atglen 2009. Jay Arenski, Simon and Michael Daniels, Swiss Carvings...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Finely Carved Wood Chamois Brienz, Switzerland, circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Finely carved wood chamois Brienz, Switzerland circa 1900. A delicately handcarved wood sculpture of a chamois standing on a rocky base. A very detailed and natural carving excecuted by one of the Swiss woodcarvers from the area of Brienz, ca. 1900. The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood carving...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Wooden Strolling Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden strolling bear handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930 A large antique statue of a walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Black Forest animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Black Forest, Black Forrest, A.W. Goebel, and Barney Bellinger. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $240 and tops out at $99,104 while the average work can sell for $2,440.

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