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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cuckoo clock

Antique Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

Partially verified

This German Black Forest cuckoo clock is dated by the seller to circa 1890 during the nineteenth century. The carved wooden case features stylized leaf ornamentation along the front and cresting, surmounted by a perched bird figure with outspread wings. Positioned in the center of the case is a circular dial with applied Roman numerals and pierced ornate hands. Immediately above the dial is an aperture with a small door housing a cuckoo automaton figure. The clock is driven via chains with two pinecone-shaped weights, accompanied by a carved leaf pendulum.

Front view of carved German Black Forest cuckoo clock with weights and pendulum
Front view of carved German Black Forest cuckoo clock with weights and pendulum — Unique Antiques by Emma Jade / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Clock · Cuckoo clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-259407
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Country
Germany

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Form and Carved Ornamentation

The clock case is constructed from carved dark wood in a traditional Black Forest style. It is surmounted by a crest featuring a bird figure with raised wings among foliage, while carved leaves frame the lateral borders and apron of the housing.

Dealer records state exterior dimensions of 34 cm (13.4 inches) in width, 46 cm (18.1 inches) in height, and 18 cm (7.1 inches) in depth. Suspended beneath the main case is a carved leaf pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Carved dark wood case surmounted by a crest featuring a bird figure with raised wings among foliage”
  • “Carved leaves frame the lateral borders and apron of the clock case”
  • “Dimensions W: 34cm (13.4") H: 46cm (18.1") D: 18cm (7.1")”
  • “having a carved leaf pendulum”

Dial and Automaton Elements

The timekeeping display consists of a circular dial showing applied white Roman numeral hour markers and ornate pierced hands. Centered directly above the dial is an aperture fitted with a small hinged door enclosing a cuckoo bird automaton.

According to the seller's cataloguing, the automaton door opens to allow the cuckoo to emerge to chime the hours.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circular dial with Roman numeral hour indicators and ornate pierced hands”
  • “Small aperture above the dial fitted with a door containing the cuckoo bird figure”
  • “above the dial to the centre is a small door that the cuckoo emerges from to chime the hours”

Drive Mechanism and Documentation Limits

The movement and striking functions are chain-driven by two cast pinecone-shaped weights, which the seller asserts to be original. The dealer also notes that clocks receive servicing prior to delivery by a horologist, though technical movement specifications—such as plate material, count wheel or rack strike design, and bellows construction—are not documented in the listing.

Attribution to Germany with a date of circa 1890 in the 19th century relies entirely on dealer descriptions. Specific maker names, workshop hallmarks, or serial numbers are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two cast pinecone-shaped weights suspended from linked chains beside a leaf pendulum”
  • “two original pinecone shaped weights attached to chains to drive the clocks movement and the cuckoo mechanism”
  • “All clocks get serviced prior to delivery by a trusted horologist.”
  • “D. 1890”
  • “Nationality German”

Open research questions

  • Does the clock movement backplate bear any maker stamps or marks identifying a specific Black Forest manufacturer?
  • What is the internal movement construction (e.g., wooden-framed or brass movement, rack or count-wheel striking)?
  • Are the internal cuckoo bellows and pipes original or later horological replacements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Item CodeAB-259407“Code AB-259407”
DatedCirca 1890“D. 1890”
Period19th Century“Period 19th Century”
DimensionsW: 34cm (13.4"), H: 46cm (18.1"), D: 18cm (7.1")“Dimensions W: 34cm (13.4") H: 46cm (18.1") D: 18cm (7.1")”
NationalityGerman“Nationality German”
ServicingServiced prior to delivery“All clocks get serviced prior to delivery by a trusted horologist.”

Visible details

  • Carved dark wood case surmounted by a crest featuring a bird figure with raised wings among foliage
  • Carved leaves frame the lateral borders and apron of the clock case
  • Circular dial with Roman numeral hour indicators and ornate pierced hands
  • Small aperture above the dial fitted with a door containing the cuckoo bird figure
  • Two cast pinecone-shaped weights suspended from linked chains beside a leaf pendulum

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement caliber, maker markings, and bellows mechanism are not visible in the supplied photograph
  • Specific manufacturer or workshop is not recorded in the source documentation
  • Dating to circa 1890 and claims of originality are dealer-reported

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Quality Antique Black Forest Cuckoo Clock in Antique Cuckoo Clocks

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 77576b4f44

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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