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Black Forest Furniture

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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Item Ships From: Germany
Style: Black Forest
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques Germany ca. 1900s A set of six antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques. The trop...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This adorable German figural pendant lamp from the circa 1950s features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain climber. The detailed carved linden wood mountaineer is holding ont...
Category

1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1904
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque 1904 Item e7342 Antique trophy of a red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Black Forest, hunted in 19...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Large Hall Mirror with Cow Horn Decorations and Console Table, Austria, 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large hall mirror with cow horn decorations and console table, Austria 1870 A great wall mirror with console table from a noble villa in the Austri...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Glass, Wood, Fur

Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand with Cow Fur ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Bull Horn Hall Stand with Cow Fur ca. 1870 Item e5682 A bull horn hall stand ca. 1870, covered with vintage cattle fur which has to be renewed (...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Fur, Glass, Wood, Horn

A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Bowl ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Wooden Carved Black Forest Bear with Bowl ca. 1920s Item e7283 A nicely carved Black Forest bear desk set with bowl for small utensils. Executed in Bri...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light, Austria 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This beautifully executed and sculptural light fixture will look great at your home, but it can a...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy Wood Carved Plaque, Germany 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful set of two antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin or just to display it in your h...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountaineer Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The intricately carved wooden mountai...
Category

1950s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Mouflon Head ca. 1880s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Carved Black Forest Mouflon Head ca. 1880s A large antique wooden carved Black Forest mouflon head. It features a real ram's horn trophy and is mounted on a wooden ca...
Category

1880s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique beautiful Brienz Bear Statue Wood Carved on an Ebonized Wooden Base 1890
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in beautifully hand-painted Bavarian traditional clothing in brown, green, wh...
Category

1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Beautiful Brienz Bear Counter Desk Bell or Service Ringer, Antique Switzerland
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Bear Statue as desk bell. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than ...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mountain Man "The Mountain Ghost" Statue wood carved, vintage German 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Statue. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a Cabin room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely one of the ...
Category

1930s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Mirror with Rustic Antler Decorations
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Mirror with Rustic Antler Decorations A large impressive antler mirror decorated with turned horn roses and antler pieces of the deer, fallow deer and virginia deer. M...
Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Glass, Wood

Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Leather Strap with Six Brass Bells, Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e6991 An antique leather strap with six brass bells from the swiss Alps manufactured ca. 1900. These bells are ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Wooden Wall Shelf with Vine Leaf Carvings - Brienz / Black Forest
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique wooden wall shelf features intricate carvings of vine leaves and tendrils, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship typical of t...
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rustic Antler Lamp with Deer Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Rustic antler lamp with deer Antlers A large antler chandelier made of three joined deer antlers. The lamp comes with 3 spouts, vintage glass ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Blown Glass, Antler

Swallow Nest Black Forest Catchall Holder Wall Mount Antique Folk Art 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lovely catchall 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. A nice addition to your collect...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture Lamp Night Watchman with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A masterfully hand-carved wooden lamp features a beautiful sculpture of a night watchman with a lantern and halberd. The lantern is made of glass and co...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Copper

Outstanding Wooden Carved Fighting Stags by K. Bach, 1946
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A grandiose handcarved wood sculpture of fighting stags. Very detailed natural carving. Carved signature of K. Bach 1946. Measures: Width: 23.62" (60cm) Height: 7.48" (19cm) Depth:...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chaffinch Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird Black Forest Folk Art, Austria, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 20th century, carved wood bird, mounted on a stand for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th century w...
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Exceptional Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Wild Boar Inkwell German Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s Black Forest desk accessory carved from wood in the shape of a wild boar. A lovely addition to your room or just to use on your desk. Made from hand carved wood. Found ...
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Casted Bronze Cow Bell Made in Switzerland, ca. 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large and heavy casted bronze cow bell manufactured in Switzerland around 1930. The antique bell features high relief motifs of farm animals, human heads and foliages. The bell com...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Set of Rustic Hunters Cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique set of rustic hunters cutlery with Chamois Horn Handles A rare antique set of knife and fork. The handles are made of genuine chamois horn. Tines and blade are made of galva...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Statue Smokers Set German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s black forest wood carved desktop accessory in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it in your smokers area. Made of hand carved wood and gla...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Statue Inkwell German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s black forest wood carved desktop accessory in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it in your writing desk. Bear made of hand carved wood an...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gorgeous Hand Carved Wooden Lustermannchen Butler Sculpture Chandelier Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare and hand carved, Butler chandelier with real Deer Antler horns. If you are looking for a decorative light fixture for a bar, pub, tavern, restaurant, man cave, cabin or lodge then this remarkable and unique light fixture could be perfect for you. This type of light fixture was first seen in the 14th century in Germany and they became more 'popular' in the 16th century. Because of its unique subject matter and quality, this mountain climber pendant...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Deer Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s A large antique deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish. The trophy was shot in...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Antler

Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s An uneven 6 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The large antler...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s Item e7309 An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown lea...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Carved Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Carved Plaque Item e6895 A large antique deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with black finish. The trophy was shot in 1959....
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Black Forest Deer Head Bavaria ca. 1890s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Deer Head Bavaria ca. 1890s A lovely carved wooden Black Forest deer head. Handcarved in Baroque style around 1890. It features a real 6 point deer horn trophy....
Category

1890s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Swiss Black Forest Dark Brown Carved Wood Glove Box, ca. 1900
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique Black Forest dark brown carved wood glove box, ca. 1900 This elegant and beautiful Black Forest style finely hand-carved linden wood glove box from ca. 1900 features a rectangular shape, carved with a wood grain pattern and with flowers and leaves in high relief on the lid, and two straps at the ends of the lid. The glove box retains its original purple velvet interior. Label "F. Bruel, Rue des Allemands 10, Geneve" on the bottom of the box. In good condition, with some signs of aging and use. The key is not working...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This beautifully executed and sculptural light fixture will look great at your home, but it can a...
Category

1970s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque - Germany ca. 1900s An antique 8 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around 1900. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Six Pointer Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1946
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Six Pointer Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1946 Item e7334 A large six pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Pendant Light with a Large Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A wonderful German figural pendant lamp showcases a large hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The intricately carved wooden mountaineer hold...
Category

1930s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1954 Item e7166 A great vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque features a handpainted...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head A rare antique handcarved wooden tobacco pipe with a fine carved soldier head as pipe head. The head features a Confederated or a Union soldier. The pipe is executed in Germany ca. 1880. A great addition to every tobacciana collection. Good condition with a small repair on the hat brim. 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...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chamois primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy, 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Category

1860s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Life Size Wild Boar Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wood Trophy 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art Wild Boar head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. Mor...
Category

20th Century Austrian Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Elaborate Handmade Black Forest Style Antler Side Table ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Elaborate Handmade Black Forest Style Antler Side Table ca. 1900 An elaborately hand-made Black Forest style side table. It is made of antlers from the deer and fallow deer and an o...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood, Horn

Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Pair Great Black Forest Wall Sconces with Deer Horns, Germany ca. 1900 An antique pair of Black Forest sconces for candles. Each made of original deer horns which are mounted on a t...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Table Lamp Black Forest Handcrafted Dwarf and Magic Mushrooms, Germany, 1920s
Located in Hannover, DE
Take a look at this unique and extremly beautiful table lamp, which is a rare masterpiece of German craftsmanship and design. Age does nothing to its beauty. The lamp base was elabor...
Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Wooden Carved Female Cattle Sculpture Brienz Switzerland ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Wooden Carved Female Cattle Sculpture Brienz Switzerland ca. 1920s Item e7301 A very large naturalistically carved female cattle - masterly carved in lindenwood, Swiss, Brienz ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Item e7317 A great antique abnormal roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot around ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Swiss Casted Bronze Cattle Bell ca. 1900s Item e7313 An antique cast bronze cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Reindeer Antler Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Reindeer Antler Mount Taxidermy Cabin Decor Skull Antlers Item e7354 A great antique reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) trophy on a wooden panel wit...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Deer Head primitive Black Forest Hand Carved Folk Art Wooden Trophy 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...
Category

1860s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Black Forest 10 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 10 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s Item e7345 An antique 10-pointer red deer trophy (Cervus elaphus) from the Black Forest. The trophy was shot around...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Dog Handle Brienz Black Forest Wood Carved Umbrella Cane Austria Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Black Forest Brienz wood carved umbrella with handle in form of a dog. The dog has glass eyes. Nice addition to your collection or just for use. Made of hand carv...
Category

1910s Austrian Vintage Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Deer Horn Carving Set, Sheffield ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Deer Horn Carving Set, Sheffield ca. 1900s A rustic carving set consisting of fork and knife. The handles are made of genuine deer horn and feature a silver knob on their en...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Stunning Folk Art Wood Carved Deer Head with Real Antlers, Austria 19th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art deer head wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More tha...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Great Antique Horn Chairs, Austria ca. 1870
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Antique Horn Chairs, Austria ca. 1870 Item e5680 A pair large bull horn chairs ca. 1870, one covered with vintage cattle coat which has to be rene...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s A great walnut wall panel with an artistically carved scene showing a family of stags in t...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Wood

Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm Siberian Deer Trophy Mount on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s Item e6941 A large abnorm Siberian deer (Capreolus pygargus) trophy on a wooden turned plaque with black finish. The trop...
Category

Early 20th Century German Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Antler, Wood

Viechtauer Hand Carved Wood Bird in Folk Art Birdcage Austria 1900s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful Austrian 20th century, carved wood bird mounted in a birdcage for hanging. The tradition of these in Austria called "Viechtauer" birds goes back to the early 19th century...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Black Forest Furniture

Materials

Metal

Black Forest furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Black Forest furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Sofina Boutique Kitzbühel, Black Forest, Sofina Porzellan, and Horrix. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $30 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $1,550.

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