North Coast Imports, Inc.

Here's something interesting. The Black Forest clockmakers of long ago had senses of humor. We've already featured an antique clock where a carved figure of a soldier that was eating rats. Black Forest and early German clockmakers loved to illustrate their daily lives. Check out our "All Are Mine" clock which tells a story with the figure of Death swinging his scythe. Here's something even darker; and a more intimate illustration of the wicked behavior of a young boy. This is a miniature Sorg-Uhr , with strike and alarm, Black Forrest mid. 19th Century. Enamel dial and brass fret. Wooden plates holding the brass clockwork. The first of these types of clocks were made by the Lord Mayor and clockmaker Sorg in Neustadt/Schwarzwald. [via Van Dreven Antiquair ]

Measuring in at only 3.25 inches from the bottom of the movement to the top of the bell, this clock is the smallest clock in our collection. This miniature, that can easily fit into the palm of your hand... is called a “Sorguhr”. This term refers to miniature clocks patterned after those made by their inventor Joseph Sorg of Neustadt (1807-1872). Joseph Sorg was not only a important clock maker during the first half of the 19th C., but also severed as the Mayor of Neustadt during the early 1850’s. The styles of Sorguhren produced varied greatly. They were made in picture frame style cases..many with hammered brass frames (with or without automation), Biedermeier cases, and the more common shield style with wood or brass faces. There are also known examples cased in miniature granfather style cases no more than 20" high. The example shown here is in the most traditional style. The clock has a round enamel dial… with the hammered brass crest. This example shows an eagle representing...