Black Forest 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.
Style: Black Forest
Color: Brown
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
Located in Nantucket, MA
Carved Walnut Black Forest Cuckoo Clock in form of a Chalet, with applied carved wooden leaves, grapes and bird, circa 1900, with pierced res...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Clocks
Materials
Walnut
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 Clocks
Materials
Walnut
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 Clocks
Materials
Wood
Large 19th Century Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock
By Black Forest
Located in London, GB
A Large Black Forest Mantle Clock
Constructed in carved linden wood, fitted with a two train eight day striking clock; mounted on a shaped...
Category
19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Clocks
Materials
Wood
Antique Wooden Mantel Clock with Eagle, Swiss 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Mantel Clock with Eagle, Swiss 1900
A great carved linden wood mantel clock with a very detailled carved eagle sitting on a rock with foliage decorations. The porcelaine clockface has handpainted numerals, handcarved in Switzerland - Brienz ca. 1900. The clockwork was overworked by a clockmaker and is in working order. It comes with original key.
Measures:
Width 14.17" (36.0cm)
Height 24.8" (63.0cm)
Depth 5.12" (13.0cm)
Soberly considered mantel clocks are small pendulum clocks...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Clocks
Materials
Wood
Large Swiss Black Forest Hand Carved Wall Clock Plaque with Pheasant Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
This large Swiss masterpiece wall plaque with clock is in perfect condition.
The realistic and detailed carving consists of a pair of pheasant, a bird's nest, fine leafs and branche...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Clocks
Materials
Wood
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 Clocks
Materials
Brass
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H 54 in W 27 in D 12 in
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Located in Dallas, TX
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Located in Petaluma, CA
Offering here a wonderfully humorous and adorable Black Forest clock. The mother owl sits atop the clock with todays meal in her mouth as her little...
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Located in Dallas, TX
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Located in Madrid, ES
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Black Forest clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, wall decorations, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Switzerland pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Black Forest, and Johann Baptiste Beha. 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 clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $700 and tops out at $65,000 while the average work can sell for $4,610.
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