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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Cuckoo clock

Carved Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

Partially verified

This carved Black Forest cuckoo clock dates to circa 1900 and originates from Germany, according to Bonhams Skinner. Modeled with traditional hunting motifs, the carved wooden case features a dial flanked by dead game carvings representing a hanging hare and bird, with a hunting pouch, powder horn, and rifle suspended beneath. A carved stag or animal head amidst oak leaves crowns the pitched roof, and an arched cuckoo door is situated above the dial. The auction catalog records case dimensions of 18 1/2 inches in length with a maximum width of 14 3/4 inches, sold accompanied by a carved wall bracket.

Carved Black Forest cuckoo clock with hunting motif, Germany, c. 1900
Carved Black Forest cuckoo clock with hunting motif, Germany, c. 1900 — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Cuckoo clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1413
Source-reported date
c. 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 Form and Carved Hunting Motifs

The clock case is executed in dark carved wood shaped in a chalet-form structure. It is surmounted by a cresting composed of carved oak branches framing an animal head at the apex, positioned directly above an arched cuckoo aperture.

The case decoration features traditional hunting motifs. The auction catalog notes that the timepiece is "carved with a dial flanked by dead game, rifle hanging below," corresponding to visible carvings of a suspended hare and bird flanking the dial, with a rifle, horn, and game bag positioned beneath the dial frame.

Evidence for this section
  • “Carved dark wood chalet-form case surmounted by a cresting of oak branches and an animal head.”
  • “carved with a dial flanked by dead game, rifle hanging below”
  • “Carved rifle, horn, and game bag suspended below the base of the dial frame.”

Dial and Suspension Elements

The clock features a central circular dial set within the carved frame, fitted with applied Roman numerals to indicate the hours. Direct visual inspection reveals an arched double-aperture cuckoo door situated beneath the gabled pediment above the dial.

Two metal suspension chains hang from the underside of the case, consistent with a weight-driven movement. However, associated weights and pendulum are neither mentioned in the catalog description nor visible in the lot photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Central circular dial with applied Roman numerals, flanked by carved hanging game including a hare and a bird.”
  • “Arched double-aperture cuckoo door situated above the dial beneath the gabled pediment.”
  • “Two metal suspension chains hanging from the underside of the case.”

Catalogued Accompaniment and Source Limitations

The auction catalog dates the clock to "c. 1900" and attributes its origin to "Germany". The clock case dimensions are recorded as "lg. 18 1/2 , max. w. 14 3/4 in.", while maker marks and movement construction details are not documented in the source.

The catalog records that the clock was offered "together with a wall bracket with deer head and leaves, lg. 17 1/4 in." This accompanying wall bracket is not depicted in the provided lot photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Germany, c. 1900”
  • “lg. 18 1/2 , max. w. 14 3/4 in.”
  • “together with a wall bracket with deer head and leaves, lg. 17 1/4 in.”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber or construction (wood-plate or brass-plate) is fitted inside the clock case?
  • Does the movement or case bear any internal maker stamps, trademarks, or production numbers identifying a specific Black Forest manufacturer?
  • Are the original pendulum and weights extant, and does the 17 1/4-inch wall bracket match the clock case in patina, wood, and carving style?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Carved Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginGermany“Germany, c. 1900”
Datec. 1900“c. 1900”
Dimensions18 1/2 in. length, 14 3/4 in. maximum width“lg. 18 1/2 , max. w. 14 3/4 in.”
DecorationCarved with dial flanked by dead game and rifle“carved with a dial flanked by dead game, rifle hanging below”
AccompanimentWall bracket with deer head and leaves, length 17 1/4 inches“together with a wall bracket with deer head and leaves, lg. 17 1/4 in.”
Auction Sale PriceUS$191.25 inc. premium“Sold for US$191.25 inc. premium”
Sale Lot NumberLot 1413“Lot 1413”

Visible details

  • Carved dark wood chalet-form case surmounted by a cresting of oak branches and an animal head.
  • Central circular dial with applied Roman numerals, flanked by carved hanging game including a hare and a bird.
  • Carved rifle, horn, and game bag suspended below the base of the dial frame.
  • Arched double-aperture cuckoo door situated above the dial beneath the gabled pediment.
  • Two metal suspension chains hanging from the underside of the case.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement details and maker marks are not recorded by the auction house.
  • Weights and pendulum are not pictured in the lot photograph.
  • The accompanying wall bracket mentioned in the catalog description is not shown in the primary photograph.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams Skinner : Carved Black Forest Cuckoo Clock, Germany, c. 1900,

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f0c10f9208

Terms in this record

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

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