Magnificent antique Victorian era Black Forest hand carved 23 3/4" tall mantel clock with ornate edelweiss & foliate decoration and stunning hunt themed large chamois, ibex or mountain goat & fawn figural top! WOW, isn't this one lovely! 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 throughout and the style is as attractive as they come. The clock case with an attached base or plinth bringing the total height to an impressive 23.75". The upper portion of the case, consisting of those gorgeous edelweiss flowers & leaves on what looks like a rocky outcropping or ledge and topped with those marvelous, large figures! Carved from one large solid block of what is likely walnut or alder, judging from the weight. 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. Some flaws, as you would expect with a 100 year old wooden clock but the overall visual and decorative appeal are undeniable. A rare beauty, don't miss it!
If you've followed us for a while you know I'm a big fan of the old hand carved "Black Forest" items that come to us from 19th century Switzerland, Germany, parts of France and Italy, where they pleased the Grand Tour tourists and still please us all today. These hand carved treasures range from whimsical small bears to large and elaborate mantel clocks, wall clocks, wall plaques showing the most awesome anatomical studies of stag, fowl, "fruits of the hunt". I've got more to list so look through the vast collection. I've just used quite a few piece in our own 2nd home decoration , Rocky Mountains location, and love the look as well as the heritage since my own ancestors hail from that region and others. The pieces work well in Country Manor, French Country, Ski Lodge or Hunt Lodge and even in a den or office. Everything from a pocket watch case to huge plaques - from needle and thread holders to cigar caddy - these decorative objects survive today a testament to the artisan's craft of carving wood.
Very good condition, age & materials in mind. As you can see, and as one would expect, there are some worm or bug holes visible but nothing active. Chipped tips to the larger figure's horns, also to the horns and ears of the fawn. Surely a few chipped leaf tips, etc but no larger chips, breaks, repairs or damage to note. The clock mechanism bears the mark of Samuel Marti, one of a small group of notable French clock makers of the 19th century. The mark reads "S. Marti & Cie., Medaille De Bronze". It does work but is a bit temperamental so a bit of patience is required, it's likely due for a cleaning and adjusting. These old movements do also sometimes get jostled a bit in shipment so you may want to take it to a clock repair shop when you receive it to have it adjusted again so it'll be in tip top working order. See pictures for all measurements.
