A True Joseph Sorg "Sorguhr"

Measuring in at only 3.25 inches from the bottom of the movement to the top of the bell, this clock is the smallest in the 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 was varied. 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 round enamel dial…with the hammered brass crest. This example shows an eagle representing war… grasping arrows.

While we own several Sorguren in the collection (and will share them in future posts) this one is special.

This Sorg was made and signed by the inventor himself we have owned nearly a dozen Sorguhren over the years…and all are very collectible, but this is the only example we have owned that has been a true Sorg.

Joseph Sorg, although the inventor was responsible for just a very small fraction of all the Sorguhren produced. A Sorg that is made Joseph Sorg himself , is of no comparison in rarity or value to other unsigned examples. …as well as other examples signed by the many other makers of miniature clocks that followed his lead.

The example in our collection was made by Jospeh Sorg, in Neustadt C. 1850. This example has wood arbors, and is rope drive. The movement has both the time as well as the alarm functions.
The movement measures 2.5 High (without bell) 3.25 inc. Bell 1.75 Wide 1.25 Deep
The clock is signed on the small gear that is located the front of the movement . “J. Sorg” (see pic).
We look forward to sharing other examples of Early BF miniatures in the future.
Best,




Justin

Johann Baptist Beha Cuckoo With Life Size Bird

Johann Baptist Beha was one of the most influential...and now famous clock makers to have ever lived in the Black Forest. Today his clocks are prized among collectors and museums . Johann Baptist Beha was a quality clock maker in Eisenbach, Germany ...during the mid to later part of the 19th C. His clocks were made of the highest quality, and were expensive. While other clocks makers would cut quality in order to compete based on price in a more competitive global market... Beha never gave in. He continued to produce a quality clock, and sold them to people who could afford them.

This piece is a very special Beha cuckoo, and one of only a small handful known like it worldwide.
The quality and detail of the carving on this piece is nothing but the best, typical of Beha. The vines are very delicately done. They wrap over and under each other with amazing detail...two small birds sit on the sides of the clock look alive... but that is not what makes this clock so special.
This clock has a life size cuckoo perched on the top of the clock... He is 12" from beak to tail, and fully automated!

You can see on this piece there is no cuckoo door.The movement in this clock is also unique. It is a three train movement. Time, Strike, and Cuckoo. While other cuckoo clocks blend the cuckoo call and the strike (cuckoo-bong, cuckoo-bong) the separation of trains allows this clock to strike the hour... pause then call the hour with the cuckoo.

This piece will also strike the half and full hour, but the cuckoo only calls the full hour.

If you look at the side view of the clock you can see that there is a large grapefruit size bell located on the top of the clock. This large bell creates a very loud distinct strike.

Last but not least the pipes used in this cuckoo clock are not square, but round. Turned on a lathe these cuckoo pipes produce a very real call.

This Beha has been documented in several horological publications over the years. Its most notable publication is the 2008 Edition of Schwarzwalduhren, by Berthold Schaaf. This is the most authoritative text on Black Forest Clocks.The book is available through any German book seller or Amazon.de

Johann Baptist was not only a quality maker, but a pioneer in Black Forest Horology these unique innovations can be seen in this very special Beha timepiece.

Best,

Justin