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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Black Forest clock

Blacksmith as a clock man

Partially verified

This object is a sculptural Black Forest clock featuring a standing metal figure of a blacksmith in his workshop. The piece measures 43 x 27 x 12 cm and is constructed from cast metal, finished with multicolored paint. The figure is depicted with a hammer in his left hand, while his right hand holds an integrated Black Forest clock, which features a dial with Roman numerals. Beside the blacksmith is an anvil with accompanying pliers. The mechanism includes a winding feature. The auction description reports that the item is currently in used condition, noting that one hand of the clock is missing and the key for the winding mechanism is not present.

Full view of the cast metal Blacksmith as a clock man, including the figure, anvil, and integrated clock face.
Full view of the cast metal Blacksmith as a clock man, including the figure, anvil, and integrated clock face. — Kunst- und Auktionshaus Quedlinburg (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Black Forest clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
728
Source-reported date
20th century
Source-reported place
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

Design and Construction

The object is a cast metal figurative piece depicting a blacksmith standing in a workshop setting. The figure is dressed in work attire, including an apron, and is accompanied by a stationary anvil and pliers positioned on a common base. The figure holds a Black Forest clock, which is incorporated into the sculpture, featuring a painted floral motif on the upper section of the clock housing.

The clock face itself features Roman numerals. The entire assembly is constructed from cast metal and is finished in multicolored paint. The dimensions of the total unit are 43 cm in height, 27 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “cast metal, multicolored”
  • “blacksmith as a clock man in his workshop”
  • “43 x 27 x 12 cm (HxWxD)”
  • “dial with Roman numerals”

Mechanical Configuration

The object includes a winding mechanism for the clock, though the object is sold without the winding key. The clock is designed with visible suspension chains for weights or a pendulum, which hang directly beneath the clock case held by the figure.

The lack of a winding key and the missing clock hand render the item currently incomplete in its operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “winding for the movement”
  • “without key”
  • “no guarantee for the function of the clock”
  • “one hand is missing”

Condition and Attribution

The object is attributed to the 20th century and identified as a product of the Black Forest region. It is described as being in an age-appropriate, used condition.

Specific defects identified in the auction report include the absence of the winding key and the loss of one clock hand. The overall state is characterized by the auction house as used.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black Forest, 20th century”
  • “altersgemäßer, gebrauchter Zustand”
  • “without key”
  • “one hand is missing”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or workshop responsible for this series of figurative Black Forest clocks?
  • Was this object originally equipped with a specific type of movement or chime mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Blacksmith as a clock man
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Materialcast metal“cast metal”
Dimensions43 x 27 x 12 cm“43 x 27 x 12 cm (HxWxD)”
OriginBlack Forest“Black Forest”
Date20th century“20th century”
Keyabsent“without key”
Conditionmissing one hand“one hand is missing”

Visible details

  • Multicolored painted cast metal figure of a blacksmith
  • Integrated clock face with painted floral decoration
  • Small anvil with pliers accessory on the base
  • Pendulum and weights suspended from the clock

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the clock movement is unverified
  • Missing hand impacts timekeeping functionality

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

Consulted source

Blacksmith as a clock man, Black Forest, 20th century

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 119a75ae47

Terms in this record

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