Hand Carved Dog-in-a-Shoe

This piece is a classic example of Black Forest (specifically Brienz, Switzerland) wood carving from the late 19th Century (circa 1880–1900).

The Carving

The inkwell features a whimsical “dog in a shoe” motif, which was a popular “novelty” subject for the master carvers of the Brienz school.

• The Dog: The breed is a Pug (or occasionally identified as a Bulldog), characterized by its wrinkled brow, flat muzzle, and alert expression. The use of inset glass eyes is a hallmark of higher-quality Black Forest pieces, designed to give the animal a lifelike, soulful appearance.
• The Shoe: It is modeled after a Victorian-style lace-up boot or “button boot.” The wood is linden (lime wood) or walnut, stained dark or painted black (as seen here on the shoe) to create a realistic contrast with the natural wood tones of the dog.

The Internal Inkwell & “Ship” Mark

The internal mechanism is a safety or “traveling” inkwell insert. These were designed with spring-loaded lids and rubber/felt seals to prevent ink from leaking if the piece was tipped.

• The Mark: The engraved three-masted ship (galleon) with the letters “H” and “M” is the trademark of the manufacturer of the metal insert.
• Identification: This specific “H M” ship logo is widely associated with the metalworking firm Henry Matthews of Birmingham, England. Matthews was a prolific silversmith and manufacturer of desk accessories active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
• Origin: While the wooden shell was carved in the Black Forest/Swiss Alps region, the metal inkwell components were often sourced from specialized industrial centers like Birmingham. It was common for Swiss carvers to purchase high-quality English or German “safety” inserts to fit into their hand-carved housings.

Age & Rarity

• Estimated Age: Circa 1890. This coincides with the peak of the Black Forest carving industry and the height of the “Pug” fashion in Victorian decorative arts.

This specific combination—a Brienz carving with a high-end Henry Matthews safety insert—suggests this was a premium desk accessory intended for the export market or well-to-do tourists visiting the Swiss Alps.