This interesting 19th Century German carved fruitwood box features a copper relief plaque applied to the lid depicting Lohengrin and Elsa with a castle in the distance and a swan to the knight’s side. Lohengrin is a German legend of a knight who was the son of Percival, on of King Arthur’s knights of the round table. Lohengrin arrived in a boat pulled by swans to protect the kingdom and married Elsa. The kingdom had much prosperity and protection, but the one thing asked by the knight was to never ask his name, or he would have to leave. As the story goes, one day, Elsa did ask his name, and he had to depart the kingdom on the same boat pulled by swans. The story was turned into an opera by Richard Wagner and was celebrated in German culture and was especially popular during the late 19th Century. Lohengrin appears on many items including German beer steins.

The box itself has nice carved details. The copper relief plaque is by L. Birnbaum and appears to be nailed with tiny nails around the top. There is some wear to the edges of the copper plaque and a small area of separation. The small block feet on the box are a bit loose, and the key has been lost to time. It is unknown what the use for the box would be, but does not appear to be a jewelry box. It may have been used for cigars or trinkets. The lid is very heavy, and to prevent the lid from over-extending there is a hinge on the side. It is quite unusual, and probably one of a kind. The box measures 9.75” x 6.25” and is 7.5” high.

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