Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walter Bosse Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Brass
Credited with thousands of works and models for ceramic pieces, Walter Bosse was an intensely prolific designer. The modernist Austrian sculptor and ceramist was best known for his distinctive “Black Golden” series of decorative objects and figurines, particularly his hedgehog ashtrays. Bosse’s mid-century and Art Deco works were popular as gifts for politicians and royalty worldwide, remaining coveted among collectors today.
Bosse was born in Vienna in 1904 to artist parents — his father, Julius, was a portrait painter for the Austrian Imperial Court. Bosse studied at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna from 1918 to 1921 under Austrian sculptor Michael Powolny and Austrian painter Franz Cizek. Later, he continued at the Munich School of Applied Arts in Germany under Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann, a founder of the Vienna Secession movement.
Early in his career, Bosse worked as a designer at several ceramics manufacturers, including Augarten Porcelain Works in 1924, Goldscheider Porcelain Manufactory and Majolica Factory in 1926 and Metzler and Ortloff in 1927. In 1925, Bosse displayed several pieces at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, which introduced the Art Deco style to a global audience.
In 1931, Bosse opened a shop in Kufstein, Austria, selling ceramic gift items. Owing to the crippling economic effects of the Great Depression, however, Bosse was forced to close his shop in 1937. He returned to Vienna in 1938 and opened another business, Bosse Keramik, where he sold toys, glass, textiles and more. In the late 1940s, Bosse experimented with small-scale brass sculptures and desk accessories coated in black ceramic glaze. With Austrian designer Herta Baller, Bosse formed the Bosse-Baller company to manufacture the “Black Golden” line of figurines, which became wildly popular worldwide.
Despite Bosse’s success, he struggled financially and moved to Iserlohn, Germany, in 1953. Meanwhile, Baller continued to manufacture and sell Bosse’s designs, which were so popular that forgers copied and sold counterfeit editions of Bosse’s works around the world. The 1950s marked the debut of the artist’s whimsically zoomorphic hedgehog ashtrays — these were cast in brass, and a hedgehog ashtray in any other material is not a Bosse original.
Bosse spent the rest of his life embroiled in court battles to protect his designs, leaving him penniless by the time he died. Today authentic Bosse pieces — from wall-mounted sculptures to tableware — continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
Find vintage Walter Bosse serveware, wall decorations and more on 1stDibs.
Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
Bosse Baller Corkscrew Halloween Cat Animal Vienna, Austria, 1950s Midcentury
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian corkscrew in the form of a Halloween cat. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vie...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Corkscrew Horseshoe Vienna, Austria, 1950s, Mid-Century
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse design corkscrew in the form of a horseshoe. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an es...
Bronze
Mid Century bronze table or hand ashtray by Walter Bosse in the shape of a fish
By Walter Bosse
Located in München, DE
Original Mid-Century Modern bronze table or handheld ashtray by Walter Bosse. Beautiful, great design in the shape of a fish. Made in Austria. Manufactured in the 1950s. Very good co...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Sculptural Brass Hand Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful mid-century sculptural brass bowl designed in the shape of a hand. Originally conceived as an ashtray, this elegant brass piece is versatile to be used as a jewelry bowl,...
Brass
Beautiful Walter Bosse Austrian Bronze Bear Bottle Opener 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Vintage Brass Hand Ashtray for Herta Baller
By Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
This elegant and heavy ashtray by Walter Bosse for Herta Baller (Model 844) is an original Austrian Mid-Century piece of sculptural character. The object...
Brass
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse fish ashtray ceramic vienna around 1950s Original condition
Ceramic
Walter Bosse Brass Dinner Bell Displaying a Cat by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury table bell displaying a cat. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in very good condition.
Brass
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hedgehog by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s ( signed Baller )
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s ( signed Baller ) Original condition
Brass
$355Sale Price|28% Off
Walter Bosse Dining Bell
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse dining bell Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Corkscrew, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural mid-century cork screw bottle opener in the form of a fish. Crafted from brass with a combination of polished and black-patinated surfaces. This charming and humorous de...
Brass
Walter Bosse Monkey Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian midcentury shaker set from the 1950s, displaying a cute monkey holding salt and pepper shakers. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, manufactured by Hertha Baller i...
Glass
"Noodle" Dachshund Brass Dog Bottle Opener by Bosse Vienna Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Classic early 1950s Austrian bottle opener, attributed to the Austrian Illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans depiction of "Noodle" the Dachshund dog. It was made by Bosse in Vienna. Measure...
Brass
Walter Bosse Donkey Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian Mid-Century shaker set, displaying a donkey. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of metal and wood. In go...
Metal
Walter Bosse Rooster Dinner Bell, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse rooster dinner bell, 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, ...
Brass
$189Sale Price / item|20% Off
Two Owls Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Two Owls bottle stopper by Walter Bosse 2 are available, priced and sold per piece. Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Wine Bottle Holder by Herta Baller Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural mid-century wine caddy / bottle holder from the 1950s, displaying a cat. A humorous design by Walter Bosse and manufactured by Hertha Baller in Vienna, Austria. Construc...
Brass
Ashtray by Walter Bosse Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Ashtray by walter bosse vienna around 1950s Marked on Bottom.
Brass
$558Sale Price|27% Off
Austrian Midcentury Brass Cat Wine Bottle Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Big iconic Austrian 1950s brass cat bottle holder.
Brass
Walter Bosse Dwarf Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a dwarf. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of black-finished brass, i...
Brass
Owl Bronze Bottle Stopper by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine An elegant early 1950s - 1960s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece display...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Bottle Stopper Pourer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Corkscrew Horseshoe Vienna, Austria, 1950s, Mid-Century
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Walter Bosse design corkscrew in the form of a horseshoe. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an es...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Fish Mid-Century Brass Bowl Ashtray Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist brass bowl or ashtray in the shape of a fish. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition...
Brass
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom )
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Bosse pipe holder vienna around 1950s ( marked on Bottom ) Original condition
Brass
$177Sale Price|31% Off
Bottle Opener by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Metal, Brass
Walter Bosse cat bottle opener vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat bottle opener vienna around 1950s Original condition
Metal, Brass
Walter Bosse Fish Midcentury Brass Bowl or Ashtray, Herta Baller, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist bowl or ashtray in the shape of a fish. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in excellent condition....
Brass
Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Napkin or Letter Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Bottle Stopper Pourer, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Brass, Bronze
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming midcentury bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ve...
Brass
Rare bottle opener from walter bosse vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Rare bottle opener from walter bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Bottle Opener, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse cat bottle opener, 1950s Original condition.
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Set of 7 Mid-Century Modern Massive Brass Animals, Austria, 1960s. Very good condition. Goat: 7cm Flamingo: 7cm Penguin: 4cm Frog: 1,5cm Dalphin: 6cm Deer: 7cm Bear: 9cm
Brass
Walter bosse ashtay vienna around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter bosse ashtay vienna around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Asymmetrical Modernist Black Brass Ashtray by Herta Baller, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A stylish modernist ashtray with amazing asymmetrical shape. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of brass, in good condition with nice patina.
Brass
Bottle Opener Shows an Penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener shows an penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s. Original condition (J B).
Brass
$213Sale Price|35% Off
Letter Holder by Walter Bosse
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Letter holder by Walter Bosse.
Brass
$426Sale Price|30% Off
Big Brass Cat Bottle Holder by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Big brass cat bottle holder by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s (The Bottle is only decoration, not for sale) Original condition.
Brass
Hertha Baller Pipe Holder, Vienna, circa 1950s 'Marked'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Hertha Baller pipe holder, Vienna, circa 1950s (Marked) Original condition.
Brass
$355Sale Price|57% Off
Brass Wine Bottle Holder by Walter Bosse
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Amazing brass wine bottle holder by Walter Bosse original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Hedgehog Stackable Ashtray Set for Bertha Baller, 1955
By Walter Bosse
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six stackable ashtrays in the shape of a hedgehog designed in 1955 by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller, Austria. Polished and patinated brass.
Brass
Walter Bosse Bottle Opener Shows a Elephant Vienna Around 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse Bottle Opener Shows a Elephant Vienna Around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Walter Bosse Cow Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener/cork screw, displaying a cow. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ...
Brass
Walter Bosse Rabbit Brass Cork Screw Bottle Opener, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Mid-Century bottle opener / cork screw, displaying a rabbit. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in the 1950s. Made of polished brass, in ...
Brass
Bottle Opener Shows an Penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener shows an penguin by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Bottle Holder, Cat Blackened Brass, Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A nice wine bottle holder made of blackened and partly polished brass by Walter Bosse, Austria, 1950s.
Brass
Brass Salt Shaker by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass salt shaker by Walter Bosse from the 1950s. The shaker is made from white plastic.