Antique Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Cuckoo clock
- Dated
- Circa 1890
- Period
- 19th Century
- Item Code
- AB-259407
- Dimensions
- W: 34cm (13.4"), H: 46cm (18.1"), D: 18cm (7.1")
- Nationality
- German
- Place recorded
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal movement caliber, maker markings, and bellows mechanism are not visible in the supplied photograph
- Research required: Specific manufacturer or workshop is not recorded in the source documentation
- Research required: Dating to circa 1890 and claims of originality are dealer-reported