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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cuckoo clock

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, circa 1900

Partially verified

This German Black Forest cuckoo clock dates to circa 1900 and is reported by the source to be carved from two solid blocks of dark-toned wood. The upper portion represents a carved farmhouse nestled amidst pine trees, featuring an opening door where a carved cuckoo bird appears every thirty minutes. Centered on the case is a circular dial with applied white Roman numerals and pierced brass hands. Below the dial, the hand-chiseled composition depicts a forested landscape with a watermill and a grazing deer. Suspended beneath are a carved wooden pendulum and two cast-iron gilded pine-cone weights.

Front view of the carved Black Forest cuckoo clock showing dial, scenes, pendulum, and weights
Front view of the carved Black Forest cuckoo clock showing dial, scenes, pendulum, and weights — Koos Limburg Jnr. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Cuckoo clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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 Composition and Relief Carving

The clock case is executed in dark-toned wood, stated by the source to be formed from two solid blocks. The relief composition is structured in distinct architectural and natural registers, with chisel marks described by the source as visible across the timber surfaces. The upper section portrays a rural farmhouse with a balcony and windows, set amidst surrounding Black Forest pine trees.

Below the central dial, the lower case continues the forested motif with a landscape featuring a carved watermill and a deer grazing in the forest. Directly beneath the case structure, a carved wooden pendulum and two suspended cast-iron pine-cone weights hang on chains.

Evidence for this section
  • “Finely carved of two solid blocks of wood”
  • “The top of the clock depicts a cozy farmhouse, surrounded by a grove of Black Forest pine.”
  • “Below the clock face is a carved scene of a watermill and a deer grazing in the forest.”
  • “Below the clock hangs a carved pendulum , with rare cast-iron gilded pine cone weights in wonderful original condition.”

Dial and Strike Automation

Positioned at the center of the carved facade, the circular clock face displays applied white Roman numerals. Time is indicated by pierced, ornate brass hands positioned on the dial.

According to the source documentation, timekeeping is coupled with an internal brass mechanism that activates every 30 minutes. At these half-hour intervals, the front door of the upper farmhouse opens, and a carved cuckoo bird emerges, opens its beak, and calls.

Evidence for this section
  • “Intricate brass hands point to the hours written in white roman numerals.”
  • “The cuckoo goes out every 30 minutes.”
  • “The brass mechanism allows the little carved bird to open its beak and let out its signature “coo-coo!””

Mechanical Description and Documentation Limits

The clock utilizes two suspended cast-iron pine-cone weights finished with gilding, which the source describes as preserved in original condition. While mechanical components are identified as brass and claimed by the seller source to be fully cleaned and in working order, these condition and operational claims represent dealer statements rather than independent horological verification.

The source provides no movement caliber identification, train count, or movement maker stamps. The attribution to Germany circa 1900 reflects a stylistic and dealer dating rather than documented workshop archives. The specific wood species of the case blocks is not recorded in the source text, and neither the dial nor case reveals an explicit signature, trade label, or serial number.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black Forest cuckoo clock, circa 1900”
  • “rare cast-iron gilded pine cone weights in wonderful original condition”
  • “The mechanism of the clock is fully cleaned and in working order, ready to take pride of place on the wall.”

Open research questions

  • Does inspection of the brass movement plates reveal any maker's trademark, patent stamp (such as D.R.P.), or serial numbering?
  • What specific wood species was used for the two primary case blocks and the pendulum?
  • What pneumatic or mechanical strike system governs the cuckoo call, such as twin bellows, pipes, or a coiled gong?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, circa 1900
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1900“Black Forest cuckoo clock, circa 1900”
ConstructionCarved from two solid blocks of wood“Finely carved of two solid blocks of wood”
Activation intervalEvery 30 minutes“The cuckoo goes out every 30 minutes.”
WeightsCast-iron gilded pine cone weights“rare cast-iron gilded pine cone weights in wonderful original condition”
Lower sceneCarved watermill and grazing deer“Below the clock face is a carved scene of a watermill and a deer grazing in the forest.”
Case surface toolingVisible chisel marks across the carved wood“the visible marks of the chisel provide a sense of intimacy”
Mechanical movement materialBrass mechanism“The brass mechanism allows the little carved bird to open its beak”

Visible details

  • Carved wooden farmhouse structure with balcony and pitched roof set amid pine trees at top
  • Central circular dial with applied white Roman numerals and pierced ornate brass hands
  • Carved lower landscape depicting a watermill and a deer surrounded by trees
  • Carved pendulum bob and two suspended cast-iron pine-cone weights on chains below

Research qualifications

  • No specific maker or workshop mark is recorded in the text or visible on the exterior
  • Movement caliber and internal mechanical details are not specified beyond being brass

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

Consulted source

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock - Trésors

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5cc737b578

Terms in this record

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

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