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Black Forest Grandfather Clocks

Unique Hand Carved Black Forest Tree Trunk Grandfather or Longcase Clock w. Bear
Unique Hand Carved Black Forest Tree Trunk Grandfather or Longcase Clock w. Bear

Unique Hand Carved Black Forest Tree Trunk Grandfather or Longcase Clock w. Bear

Located in Lisse, NL

Stunning clock for the collectors of very rare and truly stylish Black Forest antiques. Tree trunk

Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...

Materials

Brass, Iron

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken
A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken, the square silvered dial

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Cl...

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock
Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock

Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock

$2,320Sale Price|39% Off

H 99.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in

Late 18th Century Liege Burled Walnut Tall Case Clock

Located in New Orleans, LA

A stately late 18th century Belgian, Liege, tall case clock case having a period Black Forest clock

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Belgian Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Lo...

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Iron

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Rustic Black Forest Walnut Grandfather Clock
Rustic Black Forest Walnut Grandfather Clock

Rustic Black Forest Walnut Grandfather Clock

By Lenzkirch

Located in Queens, NY

Rustic Black Forest (19th Century) carved walnut grandfather clock with 3 bears at base, 2 bears on

Category

Antique 19th Century German Rustic Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Walnut

18th century Grandfather , Mantel clock , Black Forest, Germany
18th century Grandfather , Mantel clock , Black Forest, Germany

18th century Grandfather , Mantel clock , Black Forest, Germany

By Soft Baroque

Located in Valladolid, ES

Exclusive German watch, Black Forest, SXIX. High quality piece, in turn composed of several

Category

Antique 1790s Albanian Baroque Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

Mobier French 19th c  Grandfather Clock

Mobier French 19th c Grandfather Clock

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H 97 in W 25 in D 16 in

Mobier French 19th c Grandfather Clock

Located in Houston, TX

French carved oak grandfather clock with exceptional carving

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Lo...

Materials

Oak

19th Century Rustic Black Forest Grandfather Clock
19th Century Rustic Black Forest Grandfather Clock

19th Century Rustic Black Forest Grandfather Clock

Located in Queens, NY

19th century rustic Black Forest grandfather clock composed of walnut elaborately carved with oak

Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Amazing Swiss Black Forest Walnut Ancient Ruïn, Palm Trees Grandfather Clock
Amazing Swiss Black Forest Walnut Ancient Ruïn, Palm Trees Grandfather Clock

Amazing Swiss Black Forest Walnut Ancient Ruïn, Palm Trees Grandfather Clock

Located in Lisse, NL

impressed with the skills of the Swiss Black Forest carvers that he (or she) decided to have a clock made in

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Long...

Materials

Brass

Magnificent Black Forest Carved Walnut Grandfather Clock
Magnificent Black Forest Carved Walnut Grandfather Clock

Magnificent Black Forest Carved Walnut Grandfather Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Unlike the early 20th C examples which usually have bear carvings, this has a mountain goat, a squirrel a bird and intricate carvings throughout. In very good condition.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Lon...

Materials

Brass

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken
A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A ‘Black Forest’ linden wood long case clock by Spring of Interlaken, the square silvered dial

Category

20th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Wood

Antique Peter Trauffer Black Forest Longcase Clock with Hand-Carved Fox & Birds
Antique Peter Trauffer Black Forest Longcase Clock with Hand-Carved Fox & Birds

Antique Peter Trauffer Black Forest Longcase Clock with Hand-Carved Fox & Birds

By Peter Trauffer

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This antique grandfather or longcase clock was done by the renowned Peter Trauffer of Switzerland

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Cl...

Materials

Brass

Black Forest Carved Long Case Clock with Bears and Trees, circa 1950
Black Forest Carved Long Case Clock with Bears and Trees, circa 1950

Black Forest Carved Long Case Clock with Bears and Trees, circa 1950

Located in Evergreen, CO

clock face, with Arabic numerals, brass weights and pendulum offer a stunning contrast with the darkly

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks

Materials

Brass

Swiss “Black Forest” Grandfather Clock, circa 1900
Swiss “Black Forest” Grandfather Clock, circa 1900

Swiss “Black Forest” Grandfather Clock, circa 1900

Located in Aspen, CO

Swiss black forest grandfather clock, circa 1900. A very rare three weight grandfather clock carved

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest More Furniture and Collectibles

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$1,395 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

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2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

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Renaissance Style Antique Walnut Trumeau Fireplace Mantel
Renaissance Style Antique Walnut Trumeau Fireplace Mantel

Renaissance Style Antique Walnut Trumeau Fireplace Mantel

$62,981

H 114.57 in W 62.6 in D 22.05 in

Renaissance Style Antique Walnut Trumeau Fireplace Mantel

Located in London, GB

A tall and boldly carved, columned walnut trumeau fireplace in the Renaissance style. The upper frieze, with a central cartouche flanked by floral scrolls, is set above the main frie...

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Antique Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Walnut

Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture
Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture

Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture

Located in Lisse, NL

Finest quality carved, Victorian era, Black Forest deer / stag wall sculpture. One of the main reasons for people wanting to own and enjoy antiques is for their decorative appeal an...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal

English Georgian Mahogany Gadrooned and Upholstered Tester Bed, Circa 1800
English Georgian Mahogany Gadrooned and Upholstered Tester Bed, Circa 1800

English Georgian Mahogany Gadrooned and Upholstered Tester Bed, Circa 1800

Located in Charleston, SC

English Georgian mahogany four-poster bed with a carved molded inset headboard, tapered head post, serpentine gadrooned and upholstered tester with a centered carved urn & swags, dec...

Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Gothic Revival Oak Fireplace Mantel with Carved Church Window Panels & Guards
Gothic Revival Oak Fireplace Mantel with Carved Church Window Panels & Guards

Gothic Revival Oak Fireplace Mantel with Carved Church Window Panels & Guards

Located in Lisse, NL

Wonderful Gothic Revival fire-place mantle surround with an amazing presence and patina. If you like Gothic Revival furniture then we are certain you will like this quality made and...

Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Tiffany Studios Adjustable Lamp Base with Later Stained Glass Shade
Antique Tiffany Studios Adjustable Lamp Base with Later Stained Glass Shade

Antique Tiffany Studios Adjustable Lamp Base with Later Stained Glass Shade

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Tiffany adjustable bronze lamp base, stamped "Tiffany Studios, New York, 7984", circa 1915. The base was acquired with its current Tiffany Style stained glass shade with Dragonfly mo...

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock
19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock

19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock

$3,553Sale Price|28% Off

H 23 in W 16 in D 9 in

19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock

Located in Martlesham, GB

A lovely quality 19th century black forest mantle clock, the clock dial located at the centre within a farmyard scene consisting of a cockerel at the top and a chicken, baby chick an...

Category

Antique 1880s Swiss Black Forest Mantel Clocks

Materials

Walnut

FINE CIRCA 1895 FRENCH AUTOMATON INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE MOVING GiLT BRONZE CLOCK
FINE CIRCA 1895 FRENCH AUTOMATON INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE MOVING GiLT BRONZE CLOCK

FINE CIRCA 1895 FRENCH AUTOMATON INDUSTRIAL LOCOMOTIVE MOVING GiLT BRONZE CLOCK

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very fine and highly collectable Antique circa 1895 French Automaton Industrial Locomotive moving gilt ...

Category

Antique 1890s French Industrial Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Original Dutch Stoelklok with Verge Escapement Wall Clock
Original Dutch Stoelklok with Verge Escapement Wall Clock

Original Dutch Stoelklok with Verge Escapement Wall Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Dutch Stoelklok Arched bracket with two painted mermaids, gilded lead cresting moulded with two lions beside an armorial crest, side glazed windows with pierced fretwork. The p...

Category

Antique 1780s Dutch Neoclassical Wall Clocks

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Brass

German Silver Gilt Tea and Coffee Service, circa 1875
German Silver Gilt Tea and Coffee Service, circa 1875

German Silver Gilt Tea and Coffee Service, circa 1875

Located in New York, NY

Of antique form and decoration, the neck of the kettle with chased masks with fruit and foliage, the lip of the spout with a stylized mask terminating below with another mask. The li...

Category

Antique 1870s Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk
A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

By Gerard and Leonard Valk

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A magnificent and very rare early 18th century celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted ...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Globes

Materials

Other

Pair of French "Bleu Poudre" Chinese Export Porcelain Ormolu-Mounted Vases
Pair of French "Bleu Poudre" Chinese Export Porcelain Ormolu-Mounted Vases

Pair of French "Bleu Poudre" Chinese Export Porcelain Ormolu-Mounted Vases

Located in New York, NY

Magnificent pair of antique French "bleu poudre" Chinese Export porcelain ormolu-mounted vases. This exceptional pair of Regence style bleu poudre porcelain vases are beautifully han...

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Antique Mid-19th Century French Régence Vases

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Bronze

Large Pair Patinated Life Size Bronze Statues Sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions
Large Pair Patinated Life Size Bronze Statues Sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions

Large Pair Patinated Life Size Bronze Statues Sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Large pair patinated life size bronze statues sculpture of Regal Big Cats Lions. Exceptional detailed high quality Large pair of Patinated bronze statues of Seated lions, outstanding...

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Mid-20th Century French Statues

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Bronze

Impressive Antique Hand Carved Oak Gothic Revival Door Complete with Wall Frame
Impressive Antique Hand Carved Oak Gothic Revival Door Complete with Wall Frame

Impressive Antique Hand Carved Oak Gothic Revival Door Complete with Wall Frame

Located in Lisse, NL

Stunning Gothic architectural door with strong iron hardware in original frame. This striking and all hand carved door was originally probably part of a church or monastery and the ...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Gothic Revival Doors and Gates

Materials

Iron

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Longcase Clock by Dan Williams, Crickhowell
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Longcase Clock by Dan Williams, Crickhowell

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Longcase Clock by Dan Williams, Crickhowell

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique George III quality mahogany longcase clock by Dan Williams of Crickhowell having a shaped pediment with three original turned mahogany finials above an arched glazed and maho...

Category

Antique 19th Century European George III Grandfather Clocks and Longcase...

Materials

Other

Antique French Louis XVI Style Full Size Rosewood Carved Bed Frame Baroque
Antique French Louis XVI Style Full Size Rosewood Carved Bed Frame Baroque

Antique French Louis XVI Style Full Size Rosewood Carved Bed Frame Baroque

Located in Miami, FL

An Exquisite antique French Louis XVI full size bed. Made of Rosewood featuring foliate carved ribbon and crest with center cartouche, acorn form finials, fluted and turned columns, ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

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A Close Look at Black-forest Furniture

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.

Finding the Right Grandfather-clocks-longcase-clocks for You

Antique grandfather clocks and longcase clocks are staples of old-world design sensibilities, and, along with their storied history, these statuesque timepieces can bring a feeling of warmth to living rooms, dining rooms and other areas of your home.

Longcase clocks, which originated in England and were manufactured in the United States beginning in the 1700s, refer to tall clocks with a face and clock works positioned high in the housing while a large swinging pendulum movement is tucked inside the case, which is supported by a carved base called a plinth.

While guests making their way through your foyer (another ideal location for such a furnishing) might typically refer to your longcase clock as a “grandfather clock,” there are actually three varieties of these stylish floor clocks, which include granddaughter clocks (the shortest, generally not one solid piece of wood and around three to five feet tall), grandmother clocks (the slimmer middle ground, between five feet and six feet tall) and grandfather clocks, which are typically between six and seven feet tall.

Sculptural and statement-making, antique grandfather clocks created by the likes of the Seth Thomas Clock Company, the Howard Miller Clock Company, Hermle or other clockmakers are an alluring choice in filling up space in a room, while the shorter longcase clocks are just as useful if you need an element that is comparatively muted or you’re working with limited space.

Each generation of artisan clockmakers, working in various furniture styles over time, contributed its own flourishes to the design of longcase clocks. Antique grandfather clocks in the Georgian style share commonalities with neoclassical design. They were often made in dark woods such as mahogany and feature intricate carving. Mahogany is also common for Victorian-era grandfather clocks, although examples of this style can be found in oak and walnut too. Designers of contemporary grandfather clocks are using a range of materials.

It’s easy to get confused when determining the origins or value of an antique grandfather clock or other vintage longcase clock. While an antique appraiser will be able to tell quickly, searching for a manufacturer’s name engraved on the face and dial of the clock may be an easy way to learn about the history of your clock.

Find a distinctive variety of antique grandfather clocks and longcase clocks on 1stDibs, and browse our collection of unusually beautiful clocks, wall clocks, desk clocks and other vintage clocks too.

Questions About Black Forest Grandfather Clocks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Franz Anton Ketterer is believed to be the German clockmaker who invented the cuckoo clock, and he is also one of the founding fathers of the Black Forest clockmaking. Today there are many cuckoo clocks, but to be deemed an authentic Black Forest cuckoo is an honor that is bestowed to only those clocks where every essential part is handmade exclusively in the Black Forest region of Germany. Shop a collection of cuckoo clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.