Wonderful Large Treen Paper Knife with Finely Carved Bear's Head for Handle

This paper knife or page turner, is a lovely piece and made more impressive by its size measuring approx 40cm in length and I would date it to the end of the nineteenth century. Although very reminiscent of Black Forest work I am not certain this is so. The paper knife appears to be carved from a single piece of wood with that beautiful bear's head as its handle. The carving of the head is fine and it still has its original amber glass eyes. The shaft of the paper knife as you can see from the photos is lighter in colour than the handle making me think that some stain must of been applied to the handle.