Antique Hand-Carved Black Forest Letter Rack – Deep Relief Fern Motif – Germany – c.1900–1930
Description:
An antique hand-carved wooden letter rack originating from Germany, executed in the traditional Black Forest carving style. The piece features an intricate deep-relief design of layered fern fronds and foliage, carved with pronounced depth and extensive undercutting that gives the rack a strong sculptural presence.Designed as a wall-mounted letter or document holder, the rack incorporates multiple stepped compartments formed by overlapping carved elements. The carving work is highly detailed throughout, with crisp hand-tool marks visible, consistent with early 20th-century German folk-art production.
The dark, aged timber surface and depth of carving indicate genuine age rather than modern reproduction.
Features:
• era: c.1900–1930
• origin: Germany (Black Forest region style)
• material: Solid carved hardwood
• form: Wall-mounted letter / document rack
• motif: Fern fronds and forest foliage
• carving: Deep relief with heavy undercutting
• mounting: Hanging hole present at top
• height: Approx. ~30cm/12 inches (see ruler in photos)
• style: Traditional Black Forest / Alpine folk carving
Construction / Materials:
• Solid hardwood construction
• Fully hand-carved using traditional tools
• Layered lattice structure forming letter compartments
• No modern fasteners or applied finishes observed
Condition:
Good antique condition overall. Some minor damage is present: a few lattice areas show broken fern fronds, consistent with age and the fragile nature of deep relief carving. General surface wear and small edge nicks also present. No major cracks or structural instability noted. Displays well as a decorative and functional piece.
Type:
Antique German hand-carved wooden letter rack – Black Forest style folk art.A richly detailed and authentic example of German Black Forest carving, offering both decorative appeal and functional use — ideal for collectors of European folk art, Alpine décor, or antique wooden wall pieces.
