Pig Pen Wipe

The pen wipe consists of a highly detailed, solid bronze sculpture of a boar or pig. The casting is well-executed, with a lifelike texture to the animal’s coat. The wipe itself is made of natural boar’s hair bristles, which are set into the bottom of the bronze figure. This natural bristle provided an ideal surface for cleaning the delicate nibs of dip pens after use.

Markings and Origin

• The mark on the bottom, a capital “B” within a cartouche, is the hallmark for Franz Bergman, an Austrian bronze foundry active in Vienna. The company was famous for producing cold-painted bronze figures, including animals, erotic figurines, and whimsical desk accessories like this one.
• The use of boar’s hair for the wipe is particularly fitting, as it connects the item’s function directly to its form. The piece is a classic example of Vienna Bronze, a style of small, intricate bronze objects produced in Austria.