The watch stand Collection

Carved watch stands appear to have evolved in South Germany in the 17th century. They were particularly suited to the Baroque and later Rococo style of carving in miniature.

As pocket watch became a fashionable accessory the carved stand made a practical housing for the watch where it could be displayed to kept at night.

They also made interesting souvenirs for tourists on the Grand Tour. The idea of placing an expensive item within an exotic stand spread throughout Europe and other example were made in a variety materials such as the bones models made by the Napoleonic prisoners of war and in pottery by the Staffordshire potteries.

It was however the creative carvers of Germany who produced the fine and lively examples which form most of this small collection and their skills in producing such delightful have a lasting appeal to anyone who has a penchant for carving.