Black Forest Automatons. Black Forest woodenware was carved from the 1800’s by Swiss wood carvers. Some of the most renown carvings are the Black Forest bears but some carvers also made automatons which could be in the form of clocks or simply moving wooden toys. Despite the name, these carvings were not made in the Black Forest but in Switzerland and usually made from linden, maple or walnut trees.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique Black Forest automatons including two whistler automatons and an organ by Bruder.
A very fine third quarter of the 19th century, dated, Black Forest brass-inlaid walnut automata clock depicting a drinker on a barrel with four automata functions
Retailed by Camerer Kuss & Co, 522, Oxford Street, W.C., LONDON. The barrel dated 1865.
Sold for £7,650 at Bonham’s in 2022
Two German Black Forest Carved Whistler Automatons
late 19th century
the first automaton marked “Germany” and the movement marked “Made in Germany”; the second automaton signed with tag “Max Andres, Uhrenfabrik, Schwenningen N. Wttbg” and the movement marked “Germany”
19 1/2 x 6 x 3 1/2 inches (largest)
Sold for US$950 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in 2022
Waldkirch Automaton Organ by Bruder, c. 1860
Black Forest, barrel organ, playing 8 melodies, with 22 clavis and 1 bar clavis, 4 optional stops, fourteen carved and painted moving figures (Napoleon on horseback, money collector, African tribal chief with child on his shoulder, four figures with birds on a perch, a dance circle with conductor and various other figures), inlaid and veneered case with hinged front, embossed brass sound fret and inner lid with tune sheet, barrel wd. 19 1/3 in., case dimensions ht. 20 1/2 x wd. 23 3/5 x dp. 13 in., figures over painted, good restored playing condition.
Sold for €45,000 at Auction Team Breker in 2021
Rare Black Forest Carved Automatron Dwarf Jewelers
Black Forest 13 1/2” by 13” Carved Wood Automaton. In the form of a wedding ring factory with gnomes making gold rings. Comes with motor and light. Very Good condition
Sold for US$10,000 at Fox Auctions in 2021
