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Karl Griesbaum

Karl Griesbaum was born in 1872, in the family of Mathias Griesbaum, a clockmaker. At the age of 33, Griesbaum was running the workshop making micro-mechanics for such clocks. One day Mr. Rosenau, the owner of a trading firm in Frankfurt that specialized in jewelry and clocks, brought a Swiss snuffbox to Griesbaum to make a copy and adapt. For Griesbaum, this seemingly insignificant event became a turning point in his life and he started manufacturing music boxes and snuff boxes with singing birds and founded his firm named, Karl Griesbaum. At that time, the Griesbaum family produced boxes with singing birds of three different price categories. The most expensive boxes were made of polished metal, then came unpolished metal boxes, and finally plain brass boxes. He died in the year 1941.

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Creator: Karl Griesbaum
Hand Carved Whistler by Karl Griesbaum, Circa 1960's
Hand Carved Whistler by Karl Griesbaum, Circa 1960's

Hand Carved Whistler by Karl Griesbaum, Circa 1960's

By Karl Griesbaum

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Mid-century hand carving of a whistler by Karl Griesbaum. These "whistlers" are wonderful folk carvings which, when the key is turned, turn their heads and whistle. In this case,...

Category

1960s German Folk Art Vintage Karl Griesbaum

Materials

Fruitwood

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Karl Griesbaum furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Karl Griesbaum furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Karl Griesbaum furniture, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Karl Griesbaum were created in the Victorian style in germany during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Winterhalder & Hofmeier, B. Neresheimer & Sohne, and Sitzendorf Porcelain Factory. Prices for Karl Griesbaum furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,282 and can go as high as $27,386, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,174.
Questions About Karl Griesbaum
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Karl Griesbaum was an acclaimed designer and crafter of ornate decorative objects that produced the sound of birds singing when wound. His designs included music boxes and snuff boxes as well as bird cage figurines and statues. Find a selection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.