German/Swiss Black Forest Bear Ink Well early 20th C

A fun, hand carved wood ink well in the shape of a bear with outstretched paws and black glass eyes. He almost looks like he’s smiling.

The lightweight wood has a figural carving in the shape of a bear. The carving is exact and professionally done. His head lifts to see a glass inkwell that fits in a recess in the body. The base is flat. The carving has an almost humorous look to the face. He has a teddy bear look with rounded ears and black glass eyes. His mouth is open in an almost smile even though his teeth are showing. His paws are outstretched as if he wants a hug. Of course, more cynical people might think he’s reaching to maul you, but I prefer my first thought.

He has a pin hinge for opening. There is an inscription on his leg that reads Glacier de Bossons. The Bossons Glacier is one of the larger glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif of the Alps in south-eastern France.

The ink well resembles those made in the German Black Forest but could have been made in Switzerland.

2 7/8” (7.3 cm) tall x 3” (7.6 cm) deep x 2” (5.1 cm) wide. Weighs 2.4 oz (75 g)

There are no cracks, chips, or breaks. There is wear to the patina around the bear’s feet. The ink bottle has some residue in the corners. The teeth and tongue are undamaged.

A teddy bear of an inkwell that has a time-honored craft of hand carving. This inkwell will be a great addition to a collection.