Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
BLACK FOREST STYLE
Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.
Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.
The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.
As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.
Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: Black Forest
Rare Folk Art Black Forest Root Wood Table Clock w. Bell Ringer Monk, Cuckoo St.
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and great folk-art workmanship mantel clock for the collectors and enthousiasts.
Over the years we have had the pleasure of owning and selling a number of beautiful Black Forest antiques, but never did we come accross a 19th century Black Forest, Folk Art table clock of this design and subject matter and with such amazing natural organic details. This small church or chapel-like 'clockhouse' is entirely handcrafted out of all kinds of wood, but the most eye-catching is ofcourse the organic root wood. Each piece is like an abstract sculpture and depending on how you see things, they may look like one thing to you, but like something completely different to the next person. Because of all the natural materials that were used this small church has a stunning organic look and feel, but what really takes it to another level is the bell striking mechanism. Every six hours the church bell will ring many times, the door on the left will open at every 'strike', revealing the original monk sculpture inside (as shown in the attached video in this listing). With the hand carved crucifix on the right side being made of the same color and materials, it totally blends in with the entire organic design of this Christian antique. Over the many decades this good size and rare antique clock has also grown the most amazing patina and with the natural beauty and unique artisanship that it radiates people will want to stop and study its uniqueness. This work-of-art-table-clock comes with a single day clock mechanism, protected from dust by the original 'back door'. It runs and strikes perfectly and comes with an antique key for winding it. Apart from a few minor imperfections, this rare antique is in excellent condition, which makes it perfect for lovers of unique and rare clocks in general and for Black Forest and Christian Folk Art collectors in particular.
Mind you, our fair price for this sizable antique cuckoo clock...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass, Iron
Carved Swiss Black Forest Chalet Clock, circa 1880
Located in Evergreen, CO
Intricate, painstaking detail is featured in this rare and magnificent, hand-carved, Black Forest chalet clock, which has professionally restored woodwork...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Category
19th Century French Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Wood
19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound
Located in London, GB
A black forest carved hunt clock
Constructed from native Swiss Lindenwood, the clock movement denoting the hours in enamelled Roman numerals and housed w...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Wood
19th Century Black Forest Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century walnut clock, very finely carved with four deer flanking the carved clock with roman numerals.
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Walnut
Monumental Black Forest Carved Mantel or Shelf Clock with Hunter and Dog
Located in Milford, NH
A monumental carved walnut black forest mantel or shelf clock sporting / hunting motif. Featuring a hunter with a long rifle or musket slung over his should...
Category
19th Century German Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass
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Located in Berghuelen, DE
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Black Forest table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage table clocks and desk clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest table clocks and desk clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Switzerland, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for table clocks and desk clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,400 and tops out at $44,734 while the average work can sell for $9,800.
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