This is one of a little series of vintage German handmade novelty wooden Incense Burners or Smokers. They were all made at Erzgebirge, probably by Frank Beyer or Christian Ulbricht. These small novelty wooden figures have been made in this area of German for many years - and the tradition continues to this day. The figurines are known worldwide for their finely crafted details and high quality.
These ones that I am listing all serve as incense burners and are vintage issues. I think that they probably date to the 1970s. They still make some of these models today - but the quality and details of making are not quite as good as these earlier pieces.
This one depicts a little German Guardsman. He wears a big bearskin hat - as a touch of quality this is not just painted black - but also has a soft felt covering to give it a fluffy texture. His main body is a red inverted cone shape. He holds in the hand a long ceremonial rifle-bayonet. This top section lifts off and below there is little metal dish into which you place a little incense cone - when lit the smoke from the cone will come out the back of the little figure as well as his mouth.
He would have originally had an Erzgebirge label on the base - but this has gone missing over time.
He is complete with no damages. I have taken lots of images for your inspection. He is now a harder model to find - and this is reflected in my asking price. Please see my other ones that I have listed.
Dimensions: Mr Guardsman stands at 7 1/2 inches in height.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail Recorded Post. This will be just over £5 and applied to your order at the checkout.
HISTORY: A popular European custom at Advent and Christmas time is burning incense in German smokers, known as Räuchermännchen or Räuchermen. These incense smokers are made of wood and typically have two parts: A flat base where the incense cone is placed; and a second, hollow piece that that acts as a lid. Whether it’s a human figure, an animal, or a small building, all of the incense smokers have a small hole in the lid that lets the smoke from the incense escape. Räuchermen often depict people engaged in different occupations—popular figures include bakers, woodsmen, shepherds, and miners.
Räuchermen, in their present form, have been made in the Erzgebirge (“Ore Mountain”) region of Germany since about 1830. The Erzgebirge region was once rich in tin and silver, but after the ore was depleted, miners turned to woodcarving and toy-making.
Räuchermen are a common part of the Christmas tradition in the Ore Mountains. They are often displayed with other Christmas decorations, such as candle arches, angels, and Christmas pyramids