Alligator Pen Wipe

This is an excellent example of a Vienna Bronze animalier desk accessory. Based on the craftsmanship, markings, and typical production of the era, here is the breakdown of this piece.

Alligator or Crocodile?

While often labeled interchangeably in the antique trade, this is most likely modeled as an alligator.

• The Snout: The head features a broad, U-shaped snout rather than the narrow, V-shaped snout of a crocodile.
• The Teeth: The teeth are largely contained within the line of the upper jaw, which is characteristic of alligators.
• Artistic Context: During the late 19th century, alligators were highly popular subjects for “exotic” desk curios, particularly for the American export market.

Materials and Construction

• Cold Painted Bronze: This technique involves applying multiple layers of unfired “cold” oil paint or enamel to a finished bronze casting. The realism in this piece—the transition from the deep olive green scutes to the yellowish-tan underbelly—is a hallmark of high-quality Austrian work.
• The Bristles: These are almost certainly natural boar hair. Boar bristles were the standard for pen wipes because they are stiff enough to scrub dried ink and paper fibers from a nib without being abrasive enough to scratch the metal. They are usually set into a wooden or lead block that is then secured inside the bronze “well” on the back.

The “GESCHÜTZT” Mark

The word Geschützt is German for “protected” or “copyrighted.” It is the equivalent of “Patented” or “Registered Design.”

• Origin: This mark confirms the piece is of Austrian or German origin, almost certainly from a Viennese foundry (such as Bergmann or similar contemporaries).
• Significance: It indicates that the specific mold and design were legally protected from being copied by other foundries at the time of production.

Age and Rarity

This piece dates to approximately 1890–1910. At 8 ¾ inches, this is an unusually large and substantial pen wipe. Most Vienna Bronze pen wipes (often featuring pigs, cats, or small dogs) are in the 3-to-5-inch range. A piece of this scale was intended for a large, formal partner’s desk or a library table.

Detailed Summary

Title: Antique Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Alligator Pen Wipe Date: c. 1890–1910 Origin: Vienna, Austria Description: A fine and unusually large cold painted bronze desk accessory modeled as a snarling alligator. The reptile is depicted in a realistic crawling pose with an open mouth, showing molded teeth and a red-painted interior. The casting is exceptionally detailed, featuring deep relief scutes and scales throughout the body, tail, and legs. The animal is finished in a multi-toned “cold paint” palette of forest green, burnt umber, and ochre. Set into the center of the back is a dense, original oval brush of natural dark-brown boar bristles used for cleaning dip pen nibs. Markings: Stamped “GESCHÜTZT” on the underbelly. Dimensions: 8 ¾” L x 3” W x 1 ½” H. Condition Note: Excellent preservation of the cold painted finish with only minor rubbing at the high points; bristles are full and intact.