Want to add a little yuletide spice sprinkled with olde fashioned Christmas magic to your holidays this year? Why not consider this next unique offering that will absolutely radiate any quaint corner of your home in style lending sparkle and charm!
This German feather tree that dates to the turn of the century needed a little help when I found it. The delicate branches had pulled away from the trunk and the brown paper used to keep everything in place was missing in some areas. The tree was authentically and completely hand wrapped and each branch was placed appropriately and secured as needed. The trunk was also broken off near the base and this mishap was also repaired. Wha~La…the tree has been transformed and can now be enjoyed for years to come!
Two of the berry tipped branches are still intact (see image 16). However most of the berries are missing (one example is reflected in image 15) especially near the top as shown in image 16. As pictured in the above images you can clearly see the detail that went into wrapping real feathers to form each branch.
The base is marked "Germany" (see image 20) and has been skillfully turned which adds stylized character. It has been painted white with a gold stripped accent in the middle. Images 18 & 19 reflect an age related crack and also a small indent in the wooden base that seems to be original when it was made. This tree is in overall good condition with strong color and faint feather loss.
A complete (set of 12) German mercury glass indent ornaments are also included and has managed to be saved in the original box which is marked, (see images 9 & 10). These ornaments have luscious jewel tones of deep purple or could be indigo blue, crimson red and advent green. Some of these ornaments are stripped while others have a stylized design of folksy teardrops painted on using an eggshell white color. These are beautifully done as shown in images 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7. Unfortunately, one of the ornaments has a small hole in the indent as referenced in image 6 but other than that all are in very good condition.
It is worth mentioning regarding an interesting label still attached to the box (see image 10) which is marked, "ZCMI" and stands for Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution which was literally the first department store founded in the United States. I came across a picture of this store as referenced in image 21, probably taken in the late 19th century and saved it. This store was founded on October 9, 1868 by Brigham Young and carried various household supplies as well as beauty products. This box of ornaments originally sold for 2 @ .5 cents!
German Feather trees have gone up tremendously in value as well as other German Christmas collectibles that have also followed suit. However this offering is modestly priced compared to what is out there so don't hesitate if you would like to call this piece your own! There are so many display opportunities for this tree that can either enter a bedroom setting near a cozy window or on a small table near the fire in a great room or can even be placed on a mantle! Enjoy a whisper of yesteryear boasting handcrafted German ingenuity in your home for the holidays this Christmas season.
I recommend storing this tree without pushing up the branches (giving it a wide birth so to speak) because of the fragile nature…after all it is over 100 years old and should receive gentle care.
The tree stands a little over 24" tall, measures approximately 14" across (left to right) @ the widest point (bottom), base measures 2 3/4" across the bottom. Ornaments measure 1 3/4" tall and 1 1/4" across (left to right).
~Freight (Standard Mail) included, however Insurance is optional and can be purchased for an additional $3.50 @ checkout ~ within the continental U.S.
