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.

Style: Black Forest

Large Masterly Carved Swiss Black Forest Nutwood Chalet with Clock and Music Box

$13,860

Large Masterly Carved Swiss Black Forest Nutwood Chalet with Clock and Music Box

Located in Lisse, NL

Top quality, hand carved and truly impressive antique clock with 8 music melodies. 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 clock with musical box of this size and with such amazing natural details and patina AND with the original clock and music box inside. And if that was not enough, this finest of Black Forest clocks is top quality carved from top to bottom in the form of a detailed Swiss chalet. Mind you, this very rare antique clock is entirely hand carved out of nutwood only, which is another sign of the quality of the workmanship and the richness of materials. We have added a large variety of photos so that you can see the many incredibly detailed parts of this Swiss chalet, such as the roof and chimney, the many doors, the stacked lumber outside, the doghouse, the outhouse on the side, the striking balconies, the goose sticking its head out through the balcony, the picked fence, the ladder going up to the barn loft, the clock inside the facade of the house, the music box cilinder in the base etc etc. This antique clock from the 1800s really comes with the most realistically carved chalet house you will ever see. To us, that too is a sign that this Black Forest music box...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass, Iron, Enamel

Carved Swiss Black Forest Chalet Clock, circa 1880

$22,995

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

$2,400

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...

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19th Century French Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Wood

Swiss Black Forest Bear Barometer

$4,873 / item

Swiss Black Forest Bear Barometer

By Black Forest

Located in Newark, England

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING From our Swiss Black Forest collection, we are delighted to present this exceptional Swiss Black Forest Bear Barometer, dating to circa 1890. Expertly hand ...

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Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century 'Black Forest' Carved Clock with Hunter and Hound

$47,380

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...

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19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Wood

Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top

$1,675

H 20.87 in W 17.33 in D 11.42 in

Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head on Top

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Large Antique Black Forest Carved Cuckoo Clock with Stag Head A large handcarved wooden cuckoo clock, decorated with hunting accessoires, oak leaves, hare, pheasant and a stag head ...

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Late 19th Century German Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Wood

Carriage clock with case. 19th century

$704

H 5.32 in W 3.94 in D 3.35 in

Carriage clock with case. 19th century

Located in Madrid, ES

Travel clock with case. Metal, glass, leather, etc. XIX century. Case with lid at the top and front with a transparent glass sheet, upholstered on the inside, containing a travel cl...

Category

19th Century European Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal, Other

19th Century French Sculpture

$1,195

H 20.9 in W 7.9 in D 6.7 in

19th Century French Sculpture

Located in Atlanta, GA

This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...

Category

19th Century French Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Cherubs & Rooster Mantel Clock

$14,950Sale Price|21% Off

H 20 in W 19.13 in D 8 in

French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Cherubs & Rooster Mantel Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze and white marble figural mantel clock. The finely chased ormolu body, with its original two-tone mercury gilt, centered with a circular enameled porcelain clock face with Roman and Arabic numeral dials and inscribed 'A. Thomas - Fabt de Bronze - 56, Rue de Turenne - Paris', surmounted with a pair of playful seated cherubs amidst clouds and wreaths, the case crowned with a figure of a Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois...

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Late 19th Century French Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Playful Antique Black Forest Bear Family Liquor Tantalus with Glasses & Decanter

$3,876

H 16.8 in W 11 in D 8 in

Playful Antique Black Forest Bear Family Liquor Tantalus with Glasses & Decanter

By Black Forest

Located in Lisse, NL

All hand-carved, Victorian Era, Black Forest hiking bear and cub, liquor tantalus set. This finely carved Black Forest drinks set, dates from circa 1880 and it is both decorative an...

Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Black Forest Mantel Clock

$3,519Sale 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 cockere...

Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Fine quality antique 19th century Black Forest cuckoo clock

$1,617

H 25.2 in W 14.18 in D 8.27 in

Fine quality antique 19th century Black Forest cuckoo clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

Fine quality antique 19th century Black Forest cuckoo clock having a quality carved case with carved leaves and two carved birds flanking the clock...

Category

19th Century Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Fryksdahl Painted Wood Floor Clock with Carved Crest

$6,460

H 87 in W 22 in D 11 in

19th Century Swedish Fryksdahl Painted Wood Floor Clock with Carved Crest

Located in Atlanta, GA

A 19th century Swedish Fryksdahl clock with shapely body and carved crown. This antique Fryksdahl clock from Sweden has fabulous trimming throughout, w...

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19th Century Swedish Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal

19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock of a Lion Signed Festeau Le Jeune

$21,143Sale Price|25% Off

H 22.45 in W 14.57 in D 8.27 in

19th Century Louis XVI Style Mantel Clock of a Lion Signed Festeau Le Jeune

By Festeau Le Jeune

Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE

The clock is signed by the Clockmaker Festeau Le Jeune. The case after a design of François Vion in form of a lion supporting a cylindrical case draped with ribbon tied laurel swags ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

$3,500

H 25.5 in W 17 in D 9 in

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 Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s

$1,365

H 12.6 in W 5.91 in D 2.37 in

Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Lovely Black Forest Carved Whip Holder with Bear ca. 1900s A very rare hand-carved coat hook or whip holder depicting a bear klimbing on a three. Hand carved in Brienz, Switzerland,...

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Early 1900s Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Wood

Exquisite Swedish 19th Century Clock with Carved Crest and Volutes on the Base

$5,512

H 79 in W 22 in D 9 in

Exquisite Swedish 19th Century Clock with Carved Crest and Volutes on the Base

Located in Atlanta, GA

An exquisite Swedish 19th century floor clock with carved crest topped with a ball. This clock retains it's original metal face, hands and movement. This Swedish clock has very sub...

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19th Century Swedish Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Wood

Previously Available Items

Early 20th Century Owl Clock – Black Forest – Carved Wood – Rolling Eyes

Sold

H 9.06 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Early 20th Century Owl Clock – Black Forest – Carved Wood – Rolling Eyes

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Charming early 20th century novelty clock in the shape of an owl, likely originating from the Black Forest region in Germany. Expertly hand-carved from dark-stained wood, this whimsi...

Category

1920s German Vintage Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Walnut

Antique Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock, circa 1885

Sold

H 22 in W 15.5 in D 8.25 in

Antique Carved Black Forest Mantel Clock, circa 1885

By Black Forest

Located in Dallas, TX

This wonderful hand-carved Black Forest mantel clock depicts four birds at varying levels on branches and leaves. It dates to circa 1880s, which ...

Category

1880s Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Wood

Monumental Black Forest Carved Mantel or Shelf Clock with Hunter and Dog

Sold

H 28 in W 25 in D 9 in

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

19th Century Black Forest Clock

Sold

H 10.63 in W 10.63 in D 4.5 in

19th Century Black Forest Clock

Located in Denton, TX

19th century black forest clock. Hand-carved wood with a 30 hour time only movement.

Category

19th Century German Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Large Black Forest Hand-Carved Mantel Clock with Saint Bernard Dogs

Sold

H 26.75 in W 14.5 in D 8 in

Large Black Forest Hand-Carved Mantel Clock with Saint Bernard Dogs

By Black Forest

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

An excellent quality 19th century Swiss Black Forest carved mantel clock hand-carved of Linden wood. Very well executed with traditional theme of life saving St. Bernard dogs carrying whisky barrels...

Category

19th Century Swiss Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Austrian Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock, 1900

Sold

H 35.44 in W 27.96 in D 11.82 in

Austrian Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock, 1900

Located in Berghuelen, DE

A rare antique lodge style mantel clock oakwood case, richly decorated with antlers from the deer and fallow deer, mountain goat horns and wildboar tusks. ...

Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Black Forest Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Antler, Wood

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.