German WWI Impressive German Aviation Carved Wood Stand

A superb and highly detailed example of WWI professional trench art; constructed from two separate propeller bosses and standing an impressive 57cm in height. The base is formed from a cut half of a propeller boss, with a full-size boss mounted above—housing a French clock at its centre and a working miniature propeller attached to the front.

Mounted on top is a hand-beaten brass base supporting a propeller tip, cleverly cut and hollowed to form a picture frame with an open-backed box. The miniature propeller is decorated with two German war flags—either hand painted or decalled on the tips. To the upper propeller tip, another German war flag is depicted with an Iron Cross below, and at the centre, within the framed aperture, is a portrait of the Kaiser. On the reverse side is a photograph of two German aviators standing beside their aircraft in conversation.

The lower boss is stamped ‘Imperial Propeller No. 1094’ into the wood; no markings are visible on the upper boss housing the clock. The piece rests on four brass supports and features a hinged rear panel allowing easy access to change or add photographs. The clock appears to be functional, though no winding key is included.

Likely constructed in a German aviation officer’s mess in France during the war; a unique and artistic representation of frontline craftsmanship.

Ref; 92641