Antique Austrian Vienna Bronze Monkey Shoe Shiner Figural Match Holder Striker For Sale

Antique Austrian Vienna Style Bronze Monkey Shoe Shiner Figural Match Holder StrikerItem SpecificsFieldValueConditionUsed (Excellent antique condition with minimal wear)TypeMatch Holder / Vesta / Figural StrikerStyleVictorian / Vienna Bronze / AnthropomorphicSubjectMonkey / Chimpanzee Shoe ShinerMaterialGilt Bronze / Patinated White Metal or BronzeOriginal/ReproductionAntique OriginalAgeLate 19th to Early 20th Century (Circa 1890–1920)Country/Region of OriginAustria / Western Europe📝 Detailed DescriptionTitle:Antique Figural Gilt Bronze Monkey Shoe Shiner Match Holder & StrikerOverview:
Offered is a rare and highly whimsical antique late 19th to early 20th-century figural desk accessory. The piece features an anthropomorphic monkey dressed meticulously as a street shoe shiner, wearing a service cap, boots, and uniform jacket. On his back, he carries a multi-tier ladder frame apparatus rigged with detailed metal cords, complemented by a curled monkey tail protruding from the back.The figure stands beside an openable, stippled gilt metal shoe shine kit chest featuring a miniature shoe mold handle on the lid. The interior of the chest and the basket on his back function as dual-purpose vesta or match reservoirs, while the textured patterns provide an idealmatch striking surface. The entire figural group is firmly mounted onto a solid, polished black oval stone or slate base via heavy threaded hex nuts beneath.

• Dimensions:6-1/4\" Height x 5-5/8\" Width x 3-1/8\" Depth.
• Condition Report:Excellent antique condition. The gilt and patinated metal surfaces display minimal high-point rubbing and age-commensurate patina. The stone plinth base is structurally intact with minor superficial scuffs along the underside edges. No missing components or modern repairs observed.

🔍 Rarity & Possible Maker

• Estimated Rarity:Very High. Anthropomorphic animal bronzes depicting street trades (like bootblacks or shoe shiners) are highly collectible. While simple seated monkey match safes exist, multi-element narrative sets featuring a full character, equipment rigging, and a chest are scarce find.
• Possible Maker:Heavily attributes to theAustrian Vienna Bronzetradition. Famed foundries such asFranz Xaver BergmannorFritz Bermannspecialized extensively in these detailed, witty, animal-themed table sculptures around the turn of the century. While this specific cast appears unsigned on the exterior, the precise chasing work and humorous subject matter strongly echo Viennese craftsmanship.

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