Black Forest Clocks

Author: Rick Ortenburger

268 pages, illustrated.

The art of tracking time has been evidenced for over 300 years in the Black Forest area of Germany. Cuckoo and singing bird clocks, early glass bell, trumpeter, Jockele, animation, and picture frame clocks all have been made in the Black Forest area by skilled clockmakers who have transformed the function of time into a true form of art through their clocks.

Rick Ortenburger's important study traces the development of this fascinating Black Forest industry between about 1700 and 1930. He provides useful information that will meet the collectors' need and increase the appreciation of the beautiful craft these clocks represent. Photographs in colour and black and white of 600 different examples make the industry's evolution from early cottage farm houses to the later development of factories come to life.

Prominent early individual clockmakers such as Jakob Herbstreith and Josef Sorg are discussed along with many evolving factories such as Bauerle, Wehrle, Beha, Lenzkirch, L.F.S., Wilde, Kienzle, Winterhalder & Hofmeier, Junghans, and many more. Many of the different movement types are explained and shown in the photographs.

The Black Forest Clock is known and loved around the world. This encyclopedic book is an important reference for all clock enthusiasts, bringing new knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for this wonderful art.