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.
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Trophy, ca. 1920s Item e8157 A rare antique wooden carved Black Forest red deer head handcarved in naturalistic style and fitted with real...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1950/1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca.1950/1960s A collection of six large vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the 1950/1960s, mo...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- Bruin As Messenger
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Set of Six Vintage Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Vintage Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s A set of six vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies dating from the 1960s, each affixed to a...
Antler, Wood
Large Masterly Carved Swiss Black Forest Nutwood Chalet with Clock and Music Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved and truly impressive antique clock with 8 music melodies. Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th century Black Forest clock with musical box of this size and with such amazing natural details and patina AND with the original clock and music box inside. And if that was not enough, this finest of Black Forest clocks is top quality carved from top to bottom in the form of a detailed Swiss chalet. Mind you, this very rare antique clock is entirely hand carved out of nutwood only, which is another sign of the quality of the workmanship and the richness of materials. We have added a large variety of photos so that you can see the many incredibly detailed parts of this Swiss chalet, such as the roof and chimney, the many doors, the stacked lumber outside, the doghouse, the outhouse on the side, the striking balconies, the goose sticking its head out through the balcony, the picked fence, the ladder going up to the barn loft, the clock inside the facade of the house, the music box cilinder in the base etc etc. This antique clock from the 1800s really comes with the most realistically carved chalet house you will ever see. To us, that too is a sign that this Black Forest music box...
Brass, Iron, Enamel
Vintage Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Wooden Plaques, Germany ca. 1970s A set of six vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophies mounted on wooden plaques. The trophies were sho...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1910
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany ca. 1910 An antique red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish which feat...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7558 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with ornate carvings of acorns and oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the ...
Wood
Antique Black Forest White-Tailed Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem 1860
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest White-Tailed Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem 1860 Item e8188 Aa antique trophy of a large white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Salem Castle in southern ...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque Germany 1920s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest 12 Pointer Deer Trophy on Plaster Plaque Germany 1920s Item e8191 A large unequal 12 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany mounted on a decorative plaste...
Antler, Wood, Plaster
Set of Six Antique Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s / 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Antique Roe Deer Trophies, Germany ca. 1890s / 1900s A great collection of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the turn of the 20th century, o...
Antler, Wood
Six Large Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany 19.Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Six Large Roe Deer Trophies on Carved Plaques Germany 19.Century A great set of six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on wooden plaques. The trophie...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox And Henning
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7561 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with ornate carvings of acorns and oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the ...
Wood
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7560 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with ornate carvings of acorns and oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the ...
Wood
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Carved Bear Chair, Brienz, circa 1880s An exceptional hand-carved Black Forest bear chair dating to around 1880. Crafted ...
Wood
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique 6 pointer Siberian Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1940s This piece shows an antique trophy made from a six-point Siberian deer antler (Cervus elaphus), which is mounted o...
Antler, Wood
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Slices Germany ca. 1960s Mounted on wooden plaques, this vintage set features six large Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies. ...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1950s A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque features big fir branches and fir c...
Antler, Wood
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Cattle Bell Made in Switzerland ca. 1900s An antique handforged cattle bell, made in Switzerland around 1900. The bell comes with its original brown leather strap...
Metal
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1930s Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque with ornate acorn and leaf carvings. The tr...
Antler, Wood
Antique Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1942
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1942 An antiquered deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a wooden carved wall plaque...
Antler, Wood
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Lovely Antique Roe Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany ca.1930s A lovely antique 6 pointer roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy from the Black Forest mounted on a wooden turned p...
Antler, Wood
Great Antique Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1917
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Antique Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1917 An antique 8 pointer deer (Cervus pyragus) trophy mounted on a turned wooden plaque. The trophy was shot in Vogtland, German...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1932 An antique red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with dark brown finish. The trophy wa...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1938
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany 1938 Antique red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany, mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The trophy was shot in ...
Antler, Wood
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Head, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Naturalistic Black Forest Carved Deer Head, ca. 1930s A great antique wooden carved Black Forest red deer head handcarved in natur...
Antler, Wood
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Wooden Base Trophy Mounting Plaque for Deer Skull Item e7559 A carved wooden plaque for trophies with carvings oak leaves. Hand-carved in Germany in the Black Forest region. ...
Wood
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Chamois Trophy on Carved Wooden Plaque, Austria 1951 A decorative trophy of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The plaque is painted ...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Gieremund In The Well
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Large Monumental Black Forest Eagle Clock, Lenzkirch Movement, 19th Century
By Emile Egger, Lenzkirch
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand carved nutwood eagle clock with Lenzkirch movement. An exceptional and rare late 19th century Black Forest wall clock of monumental size, featuring a superbly hand...
Brass, Iron
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox And Bellin
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Set of Three Vintage Chamois Trophies on Carved Plaques, Germany A decorative set of three large vintage trophies of the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), mounted on a black carved woo...
Antler, Wood
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Austria 1955 An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque which features acorns, oak leaves and a handwri...
Antler, Wood
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Chamois Trophy on Turned Plaque, Austria 1950s An vintage chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden turned plaque with seperate carved oak leafes mounted on the...
Antler, Wood
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900 Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot arround 1900 in Germany...
Antler, Wood
Antique Hand Painted Advertising Poster for a Hemoglobin Fabrication in Munich
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handpainted Advertising Poster for a Hemoglobin Fabrication in Munich A large antique handpainted advertising poster for a hemoglobin fabrication in the 19th century in Muni...
Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1952
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1952 Item e8177 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954 Item e8176 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1951
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1951 Item e8175 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1954 Item e8174 A vintage red deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque with oak leaves painted in gre...
Antler, Wood
Abnorm Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Abnorm Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque Germany 1930s Item e8172 A large 8 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy with abnorm and unequal antlers from Germany mounted ...
Antler, Wood
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Big Black Forest 12 Pointer Red Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque - Germany 1930 A capital 12 pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) trophy from Germany, shot arround 1930. The large antlers ...
Antler, Wood
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1878
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Sika Deer Trophy on Black Plaque - Salem Germany 1878 Item e8161 An large antique trophy of a 6-pointer sika deer (Cervus n...
Antler, Wood
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem Germany 1861
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Red Deer Trophy on Plaque - Salem Germany 1861 Item e8162 An antique trophy of a 6-pointer red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Salem Castle in southern Germany. Shot by a mem...
Antler, Wood
Antique Hand Carved Black Forest Game Hunter's Bag with Woodcock, Rifle & Horn
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Black Forest antique hand carved miniature wall pocket of a fringed game hunter's bag with woodcock, rifle and horn Rich, dark patina and very we...
Oak
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Set of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques Germany ca. 1960s A collection of six vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies from the 1960s, each mounted on a...
Antler, Wood
19th Century Black Forest Carved Wood Fish Trophy Wall Plaque
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...
Wood
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Black Forest Vintage Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque 1940s Item e8159 A vintage roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The plaque is decorated with carved ...
Wood, Antler
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox Teaching The Creed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Chamois Trophy on Carved Plaque, Germany ca. 1900 Antique chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophy mounted on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot arround 1900 in Germany...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox- King Stork And Frogs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Collection of Six Roe Deer Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900s A great collection of six antique roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antler trophies, shot arround 1900,...
Antler, Wood
Antique Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Set of Six Chamois Trophies on Turned Plaques, Germany ca. 1900 Antique set of six great chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques. The trophie...
Antler, Wood
Masterly Crafted w. Edelweiss Flowers Swiss Black Forest Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Top museum quality carved Swiss barometer / weather station This antique barometer is not only about the actuality of the weather, it is also a true work of art and a real pleasure to look at. The attention to detail is incredible and it must have taken a true craftsman weeks rather than days to design and finish the carved frame alone. At a later stage, the handcrafted barometer (in German) and the thermometer (in Celsius & Fahrenheit) were integrated. Notice how the Edelweiss Flowers...
Wood
Vintage Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1944
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1944 This hunting trophy features a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with abnormal antlers, mounted on a wooden pla...
Antler, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Austrian Majolica Pepper Platter Johann Maresh
Located in Austin, TX
Small Pair of 19th Century Austrian Majolica Pepper Platter Johann Maresh. 6.3 by 4.3 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Red Deer Trophy by Franz Joseph, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, 1969 This hunting trophy features a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) with abnormal antlers, mounted on a finely carved wood...
Antler, Wood
Antique Springbok Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Springbok Trophy on Wooden Plaque, ca. 1930s A springbok skull with horns (Antidorcas marsupialis), mounted on a dark brown wooden plaque. The natural form of the skull and ...
Antler, Wood
Original Antique Print After H. Leutemann, Reynard the Fox-Isegrim And The Bells
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image by Heinrich Leutemann From the Reynard The Fox series Fine steel engraving Published by A.H. Payne C.1850 Unframed.
Paper