We are all obsessed by time. We save time, we keep time and we make time. Perhaps the most valuable piece of furniture or accessory in our lives is our clocks, timepieces and watches. They can keep track of how much time we have or how much less. So it is of little surprise that clock making is a reputable craft. Most people may have misconceptions of it, as an odd job of devising together little pieces of springs and wheels. Yet, clock making is more than just mechanical know-how, it is an art form. Antique clocks are masterpieces that could measure time. The wooden cases of mantel clocks, grandfather clocks or wall clocks have integrated hand carving designs. Painted porcelain clocks are both fragile and exquisite with their hand painted scenes of flowers, filigree and birds. While the dials and clock faces are shining gilded tellers of time.
Many of those who are interested in antique collections specifically look for antique German clocks. Germany is well known, not only for its chocolates and beer, but also for its quality precision clocks. Junghans, which is currently one of the biggest brands in clock making in the world started out as a factory of clock parts in the Black Forest region. It is not only their modern pieces that are sought, but their antique creations as well. Junghans absorbed into their company other well-known German clock makers’ brand such as Gustav Becker and Lenzkirch. Gustav Becker clocks are well reputed for its finely crafted cabinet cases, movements, and design. Lenzkirch was among the first Black Forest clockmakers who integrated the assembly line into clock making, mixing art and skill with quality and precision.
Germany is especially famous for its cuckoo clocks. Collecting them can be quite enjoyable for the varied designs. Some have cases elaborately painted with farm scenes or town scenes. Hunter clocks are carved with hunting horns, rifles and deer heads, complete with long antlers. There are also clocks that greet the hour, not with cuckoo birds, but with a couple merrily dancing or a butcher striking a cow with an ax. The earliest cuckoo clocks are attributed to Franz Anton Ketterer, Fidel Hepting and Johan Baptist Beha. The most famous cuckoo clock design, the Bahnhäusle clock, was created by Friedrich Eisenlohr. He based his design on the gatekeeper lodges he built along the Badenian Rhine Valley Railroad. However, the true origin and original creators of the cuckoo clocks are surrounded by myth. It would be difficult to track down cuckoo clocks that were originally made by the pioneers themselves. Most antique cuckoo clocks that can be collected today were created by John Baptise Beha and his predecessors.
Antique German collectible clocks can be distinguished from other styles and designs thru their trademarks. Gustav Becker’s creations had his initials and the insignia of the Medaille d’Or. Some of the Lenzkrich clocks have their factory trademark stamped at the back of the clock cabinets. Junghans, on the other hand, have the distinguishing eagle with flag and the eight-pointed star. Serial numbers can help you track down the age and the year of the manufacture.