1848 shadow box carved in Austria
QI’m very curious about this family heirloom. My grandparents gave it to my dad and I’ve always been fascinated with the intricate pieces and detail and enjoy just looking at it. It’s made out of wood, about 18 inches by 10 inches, and 2 inches deep. The year 1848 is carved on the table crosspiece. On the back it says “Made in Austria.” I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
AWhat you have is generally called a 3-D diorama or a shadow box interior scene. This craft is most typically found in towns in Germany and Austria along the Erzgebirge range of mountains. This region has reinvented itself economically after the original industry bringing settlers to the town was depleted.
Erzgebirge translates to Ore Mountains. According to geologists, locals began excavating tin — a component of the bronze alloy — in the area as early as 3000 B.C. The heavily forested landscape provided ample wood used for firing the tin smelters; local waterways provided hydropower and transportation.
Over the centuries, as tin mining spread westward across Europe, tin deposits in Erzgebirge became depleted. According to the website for the central Erzgebirge town of Seiffen, the mining office there closed in 1849, signaling the end of the industry.
Fortunately for the region, the same landscape that provided wood to fuel smelters could also be harnessed to turn steam- and water-powered lathes. The wood-turning and carving industry turned the Erzgebirge region into what is today one of the world’s great wooden toy producers.
If you have a nutcracker, a candle pyramid, a smoker figure or even wooden Christmas tree decorations, it’s likely that they were made in the German or Austrian towns of the region. Cozy shadow-box scenes like yours, composed of carved, turned and painted elements, are also typical for the area.
These wooden pictures are still being produced and continue to delight with details of home life, professions and hobbies. They are not terrifically valuable. You can find them in specialty shops selling in the $100 to $300 range.
QThis china cabinet has been in my dining room for decades, but I no longer need it. Is this something you could sell for me?
AAs a professional appraiser, it would be a conflict of interest for me to act as a dealer. Indeed, for an appraisal to comply with the industry’s Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practices, I have to certify that I have no present or prospective interest in the property under review and no personal interest with respect to the parties involved.
However, I can help you with a description and market value. I would describe your cabinet as an “Empire-style, three-door bibliotheque with brass arabesque inlay and marble top.”
As with so much furniture these days — no matter how lovely — the market is down. Similar pieces to yours are currently selling at auction in the $500 to $800 range.