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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Carved Bird Black Forest Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This mantel clock is attributed to the Black Forest style, dating to approximately 1900. The case is constructed from walnut and features hand-carved decorative motifs, including birds, berries, and foliage arranged in a naturalistic composition. The dial displays enamel Roman numerals and is fitted with gilt metal hands. The overall condition is reported as good, with the original finish maintained, showing only minor surface wear consistent with age. The clock measures 45 cm in height, 36 cm in width, and 18 cm in depth.

A frontal view of the carved walnut mantel clock, showing the bird and foliage motifs and the enamel dial.
A frontal view of the carved walnut mantel clock, showing the bird and foliage motifs and the enamel dial. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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

Case and Aesthetics

The clock is housed in a carved walnut case that reflects the naturalistic design aesthetic associated with Black Forest carvings. The sculpture features multiple birds perched amidst stylized leaves and berries, creating a complex, three-dimensional decorative housing for the timepiece.

The wood surface retains its original finish, as reported by the auction description, which notes minor signs of wear across the carvings. The overall structural dimensions are 45 cm in height by 36 cm in width and 18 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه چوبی این قطعه هماهنگ با تزیینات طبیعت‌گرایانه سبک جنگل سیاه شکل گرفته است”
  • “ساختار بدنه دارای کنده‌کاری‌های استادانه‌ای است که نقوش تزیینی برگی و همچنین طرح پرنده و دانه‌ها (توت) را به نمایش می‌گذارد”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial is integrated into the center of the carved walnut arrangement. It features blue enamel plates inscribed with Roman numerals. Time is indicated by a pair of gilt metal hands centered on the dial.

The timepiece operates on an eight-day movement. The mechanism is stated to be of French origin and includes a bell-striking function to announce the hour.

Evidence for this section
  • “نیروی محرکه این ساعت توسط یک موتور ۸ روزه فرانسوی مجهز به زنگ ناقوسی تأمین می‌شود”
  • “صفحه نمایش این ساعت دارای ارقام رومی لعابی (میناکاری) بوده و خوانش زمان به‌واسطه عقربه‌های فلزی طلاکاری‌شده صورت می‌پذیرد”

Historical Context and Condition

The object is dated to approximately 1900. It is identified as an example of a clock style where locally carved wooden frames were paired with imported mechanical movements, particularly those from French manufacturers, during the early twentieth century.

The auction description reports the clock's condition as good relative to its age, noting only minor surface marks. The finish is cited as original, though there is no information provided regarding the history of mechanical maintenance or restoration.

Evidence for this section
  • “در اواخر قرن نوزدهم و اوایل قرن بیستم، تلفیق قاب‌های پرنقش‌ونگار این منطقه با موتورهای مکانیکی وارداتی، به‌ویژه موتورهای باکیفیت ساخت فرانسه، رویکردی رایج در طراحی ساعت‌های زینتی رومیزی به شمار می‌رفت”
  • “وضعیت کلی ساعت برای سن و قدمت آن خوب توصیف شده”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement possess any maker's marks or stamps that identify the specific French workshop?
  • Are there any inscriptions on the base of the wood carving that indicate the original woodcarver or region of production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Carved Bird Black Forest Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1900“ca1900”
MaterialWalnut wood“ساخته‌شده از چوب گردو”
Movement typeEight-day French movement“موتور ۸ روزه فرانسوی”
Strike mechanismBell strike“مجهز به زنگ ناقوسی”
Dial markersEnamel Roman numerals“ارقام رومی لعابی (میناکاری)”
Dimensions45 x 36 x 18 cm“ارتفاع ۴۵، عرض ۳۶ و عمق ۱۸ سانتی‌متر”
FinishOriginal finish“لایه پرداخت و فینیش چوب طبق توضیح منبع در وضعیت اصلی خود قرار دارد”

Visible details

  • Intricate walnut carving depicts birds amongst foliage and berries.
  • Dial features blue-colored enamel Roman numeral markers.
  • Hand-winding holes are visible on the dial face for an eight-day movement.
  • Gilt metal hands are shaped in a skeletal or ornate design.

Research qualifications

  • The origin of the movement as French is stated by the source, but no specific maker is identified.
  • The label 'Black Forest' refers to the style of the wood carving rather than guaranteeing the geographic origin of the clock's assembly.
  • The extent and history of potential historical restorations are not documented.

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

Consulted source

Exquisite carved Bird Black Forest Mantel Clock – ca1900

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 187f27c5bc

Terms in this record

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

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