A Miniature Jockele Augenwender Picture Clock

One of the biggest differences between European and American Black Forest Clock collectors is the understanding/appreciation of the early Black Forest miniatures. In Europe these pieces are highly coveted and pursued. There are many books and information pertaining to not only the clocks, but also their makers.
In the United States little is known, sadly because of this many of these clocks have made there way back to collections and museums in Europe.

This piece is a miniature Augenwender (blinking eye) automaton was made C 1855. As the pendulum swings back and forth, the eyes look left to right. The outside dimensions of the brass frame on this piece is 9 x 9.5. The movement in the case is miniature…and is classified as a Jockele by collectors based on the movements dimensions (3.5 H, 3 W, 1.5 D). The trains on this movement are side to side (Time and Strike). It was made slightly later than most Jockele, and in the “new” style…most Jockele movements have the trains front to back.




The painting of a primitive woman is 5”X 6” and done on zinc. The clock dial is 2” and has an early style set of thick steel hands.

This identical clock was published in Ortenburgers, "Black Forest Clocks" on pg 37 BL. At the time it was published (it was owned by another collector)... there was no designation that it is a miniature... which reiterates my previous comment on the lack of information/interest on BF miniatures in the US. The fact of the matter is you will find 1000 Black Forest Augenwenders to every one Jockele or Sorg Augenwender.






It was also apart of a large display on the Subject of Black Forest Clocks in Pasadena , Ca in 2004. The clocks in the Display were published into a publication titled, "Black Forest Cottage Crafted Clocks 1800-1900" This publication was done in a very limited run and only available at the display.

We have included two scans of the documentation on this rare clock. Notice the quarter on the clock in the publication photo, it shows how small this piece really is!

Most Jockele were made in the traditional style, with a porcelain shield about 5” high… but like their smaller brother the Sorguhr…were made in a wide variety of cases with and without automation.

Jockele made prior to 1860 is much harder to find, as they were made in the “cottage craft“ industry... previous to the large ramp up of mass production and factories that swept through the Black Forest changing the clock industry forever.