IS THIS SWOWING OFF?

Or just plain short-sightedness?

So many early 20th Century instrument makers felt the need to demonstrate their wood-craving virtuosity.

They forgot the fact that over the years, wood moves - it de-stresses - & the first casualty is going to be their crazy carving.

They forgot the fact that a repairer might need access to the interior which will involve removing the crippled carving.

Nightmare!