Fantastic antique Victorian era French Ed. Schirrmann, Paris marked Black Forest hand carved 19 3/4" tall mantel clock with ornate foliate decoration and two HUGE long-tailed game bird figural top! WOW, isn't this one exquisite! Exactly what comes to mind when you think of the fine old museum quality Black Forest clocks, isn't it. Beautiful, highly ornate foliate carving covering the base and the "Fruits of the Hunt" style is as attractive as they come. The clock case with an attached solid wood base or plinth bringing the total height to an impressive 19 3/4". The upper portion of the case, consisting of those gorgeous leaves & game bird figures, has been carved from one large solid block of what is likely rosewood given the heavy weight that you don't find with other Black Forest pieces that have been carved in Linden wood. Just imagine the painstakingly long process of getting from such a large block of wood to what you see here. Amazing! The detail and artistry are superb, don't you just love those overly long tail feathers extending down the outer sides of the case. If you look closely at the brass clock hands, there's even a wonderful dolphin figure on the minute hand extending from the scrolling tendrils & foliage. Fantastic condition, far better than you would expect with a 100 year old wooden clock and the overall visual and decorative appeal are undeniable. A rare beauty, don't miss it!
Very good to excellent condition, age & materials in mind. As you can see, and as one would expect, there are some visible worm or bug holes but nothing active. Possibly a few small chips to leaf tips but I see no breaks or repairs to note. The clock face has all of the numeral plaques, all in enamel on convex copper with blue enamel numerals. There is also an enamel plaque along the bottom noting the maker or, more likely, French retailer of the piece and reads "Ed. Schirrmann, 7 Rue Royale, Paris". No chips or damage to the enamel numeral plaques but there is are two hairlines to the enamel retailer panel. The clock mechanism is WORKING and also bears the same marking for the maker or retailer. The clock does run, chimes once on the half hour and as many times as the hour on the hour. See pictures for all measurements.
