Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase 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
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 design longcase or grandfather clocks are a rare find and this 6.5 feet tall specimen could hardly be in better condition. All handcrafted and hand carved in the first half of the 1900s this wonderfully naturalistic tree trunk floor clock is the perfect home decoration for anyone with a nature or Black Forest inspired room or interior. This finest workmanship antique comes with the original dial face, weights and pendulum and they all have the same wonderful leaf and flower patterns that complement the tree or forest theme of this work-of-art tall clock. The natural aging of the carved wood has also grown this clock its stunning patina, making it even more of a gem to enjoy and to look at. The large door comes with the original, antique and perfectly beveled glass window which makes this unique clock...
Category
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 enclosed behind a glazed door within an ornate case, surmounted by a carving of William...
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Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Wood
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 workings with wooden enameled dial and hand-painted fruit decoration, the original...
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Late 18th Century Belgian Antique Black Forest Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Iron
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Black Forest grandfather clocks and longcase clocks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Black Forest grandfather clocks and longcase 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 grandfather clocks and longcase clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Black Forest grandfather clocks and longcase clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Belgium 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 grandfather clocks and longcase clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,900 and tops out at $9,764 while the average work can sell for $6,332.