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ID #SA1174575
FOR SALE
£6,000
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Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €7,020     $7,620
£6,000
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

1900 - 1920
Description

A rare, coherent collection of five carved wooden figures by the renowned Bavarian artist Franz Keller.

Sourced from a single-owner estate, this collection is a remarkable example of the German Historicist movement of the early 20th century. The great importance of this collection lies in its documentation. Two of the five figures retain their original paper workshop labels from Keller's studio in Bad Tölz. One is clearly signed "FRANZ KELLER" with the model number "Mod 1096". The other is labelled "Kilian" with the model number "109 U".

These labels are the "Rosetta Stone" for this group, providing an undeniable attribution for the entire collection and elevating it from anonymous sculptures to a documented artist's work.

The collection includes:

St. Kilian (with label)

A Hooded Monk with Cross (signed with label)

Three Apostle/Saint Figures

Measurements:

Height range: 36 cm to 36.5 cm

Condition: Excellent vintage condition across the set. The figures exhibit a consistent dark-stained finish. Minor, stable age-related cracks and tool marks are an intentional part of the artist's rustic aesthetic.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Carved Wooden Religious Figures to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1174575
Dealers Internal Reference
B1435
Description
A rare, coherent collection of five carved wooden figures by the renowned Bavarian artist Franz Keller.
“
Sourced from a single-owner estate, this collection is a remarkable example of the German Historicist movement of the early 20th century.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The great importance of this collection lies in its documentation. Two of the five figures retain their original paper workshop labels from Keller's studio in Bad Tölz. One is clearly signed "FRANZ KELLER" with the model number "Mod 1096". The other is labelled "Kilian" with the model number "109 U".

fig 1. A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
fig 1. Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

These labels are the "Rosetta Stone" for this group, providing an undeniable attribution for the entire collection and elevating it from anonymous sculptures to a documented artist's work.

The collection includes:

fig 2. A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
fig 2. Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

St. Kilian (with label)

A Hooded Monk with Cross (signed with label)

Three Apostle/Saint Figures

Measurements:

Height range: 36 cm to 36.5 cm

Condition: Excellent vintage condition across the set. The figures exhibit a consistent dark-stained finish. Minor, stable age-related cracks and tool marks are an intentional part of the artist's rustic aesthetic.

fig 3. A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
fig 3. Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated these Carved Wooden Religious Figures to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1174575
Dealers Internal Ref
B1435
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

Relevant Links
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A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
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Archive I A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.

Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)

Archive II A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View II
Archive III A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View III
Archive IV A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View IV
Archive V A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View V
Archive VI A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View VI
Archive VII A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View VII
Archive VIII A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View VIII
Archive IX A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View IX
Archive X A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View X
Archive XI A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XI
Archive XII A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XII
Archive XIII A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XIII
Archive XIV A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XIV
Archive XV A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XV
Archive XVI A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear. View XVI
Enlarged Archival View
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gillersantiques
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
Rare and Documented Collection of Five Figures by Franz Keller (1873-1946)
Ref: SA1174575
A set of five hand-carved warm brown wooden figures depicting bearded religious characters in robes with distinct facial expressions and headwear.
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FAQs

Religious wood carvings from this period often blend traditional ecclesiastical iconographies with expressive, stylized hand chiselling. Regional European sculptors rendered figures such as saints, monks, and apostles with expressive facial features, textured drapery, and simplified geometric planes.

Artisans typically selected dense hardwoods such as oak, walnut, lime, or pine. Sculptors shaped the timber using handheld chisels, gouges, and mallets, leaving hand-chiselled tool marks before applying natural oils, wax finishes, or subtle stains to highlight the grain.

Authentic period carvings display subtle variations in carving depth, visible tool marks, natural timber shrinkage checking, and authentic age patina within the recesses. Machine-carved modern reproductions generally lack these irregular surface marks and hand-cut details.

Grouping sculptural wooden figures along a mantelpiece, console table, or within an open bookcase adds warm texture and historical depth. Pairing organic wood tones with neutral contemporary backdrops enhances the contrast between historic craft and modern decor.

Keep wooden sculptures away from direct heat sources and areas of fluctuating humidity to prevent cracking or warping. Regularly remove dust with a soft, dry natural-bristle brush, and apply a thin layer of clear microcrystalline wax periodically to nourish the surface.
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