Carved Bird Black Forest Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
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.
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
- Date
- circa 1900
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Finish
- Original finish
- Material
- Walnut wood
- Dimensions
- 45 x 36 x 18 cm
- Dial markers
- Enamel Roman numerals
- Movement type
- Eight-day French movement
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Strike mechanism
- Bell strike
Design
- Visible features
- • 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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: The origin of the movement as French is stated by the source, but no specific maker is identified.
- Research required: The label 'Black Forest' refers to the style of the wood carving rather than guaranteeing the geographic origin of the clock's assembly.
- Research required: The extent and history of potential historical restorations are not documented.