A Great Old Video of the Black Forest Clock Industry

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Alas, there are no more producers of European mechanical Anniversary Clocks. So many of these fine arts no longer exist. BUT, you can see a woman making a mechanical alarm clock that looks very similar to our very popular Sternreiter Alarm Clock! Quality mechanical items like these are very rare these days. We are very pleased to still be able to offer them. Contact your local clock dealer and ask about our Sternreiter mechanical alarm clocks.

Rare Early Black Forest peddler Timepiece C. 1850

We just recently added this early Black Forest clock to our collection. This is a Period piece made C. 1850. The peddler has become a symbol for the Black Forest and these clock have been made from 1850 up until present day (with major differences).



Our peddler is made from tin on a fantastic burl wood base and stands 15" tall.

The paint on the figure is original and untouched, with very minor loss.

In his hands he holds a miniature functioning timepiece that is 3" tall. The clock works is a thick brass plate miniature clock work.




This clock has its original "mock" weights... pendulums in hand and "mock" time piece on his back. The dial of the clock on his back lifts up to revel a compartment to hold the key... he even has its original miniature key.

This is the second period peddler timepiece we have owned, we traded our last one off as it had too much repaint for our liking, and he was missing his clock on his back.




This example was purchased by the previous owner while being stationed in Germany during WWII. It has been in a box in storage for over 50 years... and was wrapped in old German newspaper from the time.

We are excited to get a very clean original example of this hard to find BF clock for our collection.

Just Done! Another Wehrle Trumpeter

We finally got the time to bring this Wehrle back to life. After a complete musical restoration it plays as it should.

This is the sixth musical Wehrle clock in our collection, and the second that plays the "William Tell" but with this case we have no complaints.

We have one last Wehrle musical clock that needs restoration, we hope to have it done in the next week and will post the finished results.

Here is a short 1 minute video of the clock playing.



related posts:
Wall Trumpeter
Shelf Flute Clock
"Penny in the Slot."
Rooster Clock

NEW cuckoo clocks!!

We have been busy searching the world for the most interesting and fantastic new cuckoo clocks. We are pleased to announce these new models this fall. Ask your favorite clock store or curiosities shop for more information...


A new creation from Rombach und Haas, the BAUHAUS distills the classic Bahnhäusle lines down to its essential qualities. This is an inexpensive piece that boasts simplicity and elegance.








We've had a clock like this in our collection before, but this one far surpasses it in intricate detail. There are very few of these made, each painstakingly crafted by a master clockmaker in the Black Forest in Germany. This clock includes extra details like moving wings on the cuckoo bird, and a specialized "slow cuckoo" sound created by the mechanism.










This clock was in our collection before, but we decided to bring it back due to popular demand. It's very charming, with animated birds, and a steep-roof chalet.




Another impressive long-case cuckoo clock from our new clockmaker in the Black Forest. This "Gothic" cuckoo combines impressive details with master craftsmanship.

Another Beauty from our Friend Justin

Antique Black Forest Flute Clock

Black Forest Kastenuhr

In a previous post I showed an unusual example of the Rahmenuhr, or "Frame Clock."

Similar to that is the more boxy "Kastenuhr," or Box-style clock. Many of which had some painting and like a frame around the clock. You can actually see some pictures of other examples with reverse-painted glass that were sent in the comments. Here's a simpler one:

Post from John

The following is a post in from our friend John, who emailed me:

"Frühe Kuckucksuhren. Entwicklungsgeschichte der Schwarzwälder Kuckucksuhr von 1750 bis 1850". In this book Dr. Schneider includes a vast amount of new, original research regarding the history of early Black Forest clocks, clockmakers and their families (many of whose ancestors no longer survive). I have personally found the contents of this book to be essential to the identification of one of my clocks made by the long forgotten Eisenbach clockmaker Johann GEORG Beha.

It is my hope that those of you (like me!) that struggle outside the English language will find this summary helpful. Moreover, in the interest of highlighting the contents of this book in the most concise form, I have forgone the formality of proper English and adopted the outline form:

Selected topics summary of "Frühe Kuckucksuhren. Entwicklungsgeschichte der Schwarzwälder Kuckucksuhr von 1750 bis 1850":

1) This book contains a wealth of NEW information and research concerning the clocks, clockmakers and their families for the early period of Black Forest cuckoo clock development, namely 1750-1850. Whereas previous works have focused primarily upon the later (after ca. 1850) period of cuckoo clock development, this text, for the first time, focuses on the developmental history prior to 1850.

2) This book documents the roles and influence that the various clockmakers and their families played in the technical and business evolution of the Black Forest cuckoo clock design and industry. As many of the families that played key roles in, and even dominated, cuckoo clock production during 1750-1850 period have long since died out, this book documents a period of developmental history of the cuckoo clock industry that would otherwise be lost. For example, as I documented in my previous post, this work led to the identification of our "Beha" clock as a work of Johann GEORG Beha, a distant relative of Johann BAPTIST Beha, whose branch of the Beha family tree has long since become extinct.

3) From the purely pragmatic perspective of identifying the maker's of one's EARLY (1750-1850) cuckoo clocks, this work should be very helpful as Dr. Schneider has included in this book numerous colored photos illustrating both the decorative and technical (movement design and construction) that can be used as comparative examples ("standards"). The numerous summary tables he includes in his book are also very helpful in this regard.

For those of you who are German "challenged", I have found the most convenient way to translate the text in a German language book is to scan the pages into a text editor and then subsequently paste the German text into a German-to-English) language translator (such as Goggle Language Tools) to get a "machine" English translation. The English that comes out of the "machine" translation is not poetic (or even pretty) but the content can be understood.

Finally, in the interest in preserving as much capital as possible for future clock purchases, this book can be purchased directly from Dr. Schneider via his email address asrsoft@t-online.de.

Thanks John! We'd love to see more pictures from your collection!

More Antique Black Forest Clocks

Before the traditional hunting model cuckoo, there was the Bahnhäusle. Before the Bahnhäusle, and after the Shield cuckoo, there was the Rahmenuhr...

Here is a great example from c.1880 with a gold-embossed face. This style might be borrowed from the Morbiers in France and Belgium(?)

This Rahmenuhr, or frame clock has an excellently preserved movement with wooden plates. (See the rabbit silhouette at the top?)

Beha Shelf Cuckoo Clock with Inlays and Calendar

In the late 19th century, an argument can be made that the most prominent clock makers were located in the U.K. (for example, J. J. Elliott of London). It can also be stated with relative certainty that these prominent U.K. clock makers manufactured the most expensive clocks produced during this period placing the clocks beyond the financial reach of all but the most affluent.

This focus of the U.K. clock makers on the top-tier of the domestic clock market created an opportunity for the Black Forest clock markers to manufacture clocks that could be exported to, and marketed in, the U.K. to address the market for quality, but yet more affordable clocks. Naturally, this would mean that the German clock makers would have to adapt their clocks to suit the English market in terms of both function and style. This would necessitate the German makers to produce clocks powered with eight day fusee movements as opposed to the weight powered or 30-hour or 50-hour movements typically produced for their domestic markets. Similarly, this would prompt the German clock makers to produce clocks reminiscent of English design and formality.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the most appealing aspects of collecting Black Forest clocks manufactured by the Beha families is the broad diversity of the clocks manufactured. To be sure, Beha did almost exclusively manufacture cuckoo clocks, but the wide scope of the available designs and incorporation of horological complications into the movements makes for a cuckoo collector's dream. An example of the diversity of the clocks produced by the Beha clock makers is provided by the clocks that they manufactured for export to meet the rising U.K.'s middle class's demand for quality clocks that competed with domestic manufacturers at a more affordable price. An example of the top tier of the clocks Beha's designed for this market is provided below:



This Beha shelf clock was clearly intended for the U.K.'s market with a case of ebonized wood tastefully decorated with intricate inlays of brass and natural minerals. In addition to the cuckoo and gong-strike complications, this clock was also manufactured by Beha with a simple 31-day calendar complication. Calendar complications are very seldom found in Beha's clocks and suggest that this clock was intended for a particularly demanding (and affluent) customer. The cuckoo call and gong-strike may be silenced by rotating levers accessible through the right side door.



The wood plate movement and early Johann Baptist Beha labels indicate that the clock is an early example of Beha's production.





This clock was in the Kämper's personal collection for many years until it was acquired by this blogger last year. A minor restoration and maintenance have been recently been completed on the clock. The clock is running daily on time (and date!) like the fine clock it was always intended to be.

John

The New /design Line!

We are very pleased to announce an entirely NEW line of quality timepieces to the North Coast Imports lineup. Visit www.NorthCoastImports.com/design today to browse many new clocks, designed specifically for the high-style/high-design modern tastes.

Long associated with a very traditional decor, the Black Forest cuckoo clock is undergoing a transformation. Simple and clean lines combine with master craftsmanship to create something for the modern home.

Visit our new site to see colorful new models with a fresh perspective on a clock as a delightful kinetic sculpture that also happens to tell time.

There are also several models called ART CLOCKS which are one-of-a-kind inspirations by Black Forest artists. These special clocks are presented as collectors items and include painterly and artistic creations signed by the artist. There are dozens to choose from.

...and check out these fantastic woodcuts! These special clocks feature an entirely new and creative design with very intricate filigree. Birds and flowers are interwoven into a tapestry of ornamentation.

Even industrial design is included in this broad new range of fine timepieces. Be sure to check out our new additional website, detailing all of these models and more, at www.NorthCoastImports.com/design

Another Early Black Forest Automa

This early Black Forest soldier Automaton is another one of our favorite shield clocks in our collection. This clock shows a more primitive style of Black Forest Clock making…and was made in a time before the mass production of the large factories. It was made by the hand of a clock maker, in the Black Forest that took pride in his work.
The soldier automaton was a favorite done by the Black Forest clockmakers. While most of these antique soldier clocks that are seen today are incorporated into the shelf cuckoo (and made around the turn of the 19th C)… These early shield variety were made a generation or two earlier, and in much fewer numbers …and are difficult to locate today.
This Automaton was made C. 1820. It has a early wood plate, wood spindle movement.. The movement has Time, Strike & Automation. The two trains on this clock are front to back. The clock is in fantastic condition for its age, the soildier cannon...normaly missing or replaced are period. This clock is very pleasing to the eye. While most automated clocks the automation is hooked up to the strike train...where the automation is viewed every hour… the soldier is one of the few where the automation is connected to the time train. This creates constant action that can be seen as the pendulum swings.
On this piece the Soldier marches in front of the mansion, guarding the palace with his gun. When he reaches the turret on the right hand side, he quickly turns around…and begins his march in the other direction. He then marches back across the front of the clock to the cannon on the left…were he spins again. This is repeated over and over as the clock ticks.
This clock was located in Holland. We had is serviced in Europe prior to sending it back to the USA.. It is all cleaned…and working as it did when it was made... nearly 200 years ago.

A Wehrle Timepiece: "Rare As Rooster's Teeth"

This next clock in the collection is a Emilian Wehrle Rooster clock. Also known as a "Hahnen-Uhr".
The Wehrle Rooster awakes on the hour, or on demand...with three loud distinct calls.

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!!!

While Emilian Wehrle was not the inventor of the Rooster clock... he was the first to perfect it. He invented an apparatus that mimics the call of the Rooster without the use of air or horns. Instead Wehrle used a serrated wheel that rides a small metal reed...

This friction at variable pressures and speeds creates a correct Rooster call. Emilian Wehrle was issued a patent in 1884 for his design (Apparat Fur Schallerzeugung #32141). Production started shortly after this date. Because of their high cost, and the loud and obnoxious call of the Rooster every hour they were never a success. By Emilian Wehrles death in 1896 very few were made, and even fewer have survived. The Rooster clock is one of the Rarest clocks ever produced by Wehrle...and are almost impossible to find today. We are honored to have one in our collection.
The example shown here is one of the nicest known. The only other example known in the States, is a small 30 hour wall clock, in a simple case.

This Rooster is a fancy cased shelf clock, with a matching bracket. This clock will run for 8 days. This clock was retailed by Camerer, Kuss & Co. in England, and has there lable on the back board.


Best,

Justin