August Schwer 8-Day Handcrafted Black Forest VdS 2008 Large Cuckoo Clock Winner of the Year Gutach Valley Mill House with Children Music Dancing Figurines Turning Mill Swinging Fire Bell

“The Clock of the Year Award is granted to clockmakers annually by the prestigious Black Forest Clock Association. Visitors to the Black Forest Museum (Vogtsbauernhöfe in Gutach) are given the privilege of selecting the clock of their choice for the final nomination. One look at this August Schwer masterpiece will tell you why it was presented with this most coveted prize. Absolutely every possible detail of a traditional Black Forest farmhouse has been stunningly replicated by some of the most skilled artisans in the field to make this an outstanding and timeless work of art.

The fabulously designed clock house mirrors the hugely popular construction style of Black Forest farmhouses with its characteristic roof and timber frame. Every roof shingle on this model is individually carved to reflect the original, and the low slope of the roof at the front and sides demonstrate the unique insulating techniques of the foresters. As for its bell-tower–since Black Forest farms were so far apart, foresters installed fire bells with towers on their roofs which they could ring in case their wooden houses caught fire, or in other emergencies. The minute decorative paneling and windows, including an attic window, give a true depiction of the enduring charm of the vintage forest farmhouse.

The base of the clock is dedicated to the exterior of a typical farm with its pond, mill wheel, pig-sty, kennel, and its many implements. Since no farm is complete without its animals–cows, chicken, pigs and piglets, geese, a duck, a cat, a guard dog, and a bird are very much part-and-parcel of this lively environment. Of course, the central attraction of the scene is the brilliant true-to-life hand sculpting of the three happy children of the Black Forest. The decorated platform above the clock dial also holds animated figurines of young musicians playing different musical instruments. All figurines of children, musicians, and animals are amazing in detail, sculpting, and color. The cuckoo and fire bell begin animation on the clock by synchronizing beautifully to announce the hour, and then the musicians begin rotating to the sounds of the music box while the mill wheel at the base of the clock joins in by gently revolving. The intricately carved chalet embellishments and figurines are entirely made of wood and entirely hand-painted, making this timepiece a true masterpiece.

You now have the rare and wonderful opportunity to possess this highly valuable award-winning creation which comes with the absolute guarantee of design, craftsmanship, and quality from one of the finest cuckoo clock manufacturers in the Black Forest.

Clockmaker:
Handcrafted by August Schwer, Black Forest Clock Factory, Schoenwald, Black Forest, Germany

Details of this cuckoo clock:
Wooden and hand-painted figurines and decorative elements
Wooden dial, hands, August Schwer exclusive life-like wooden cuckoo, pendulum
8-Day movement/running time (mechanical)
High-quality Regula movement
Night shut-off
Premium model with antique-style chains, wooden knob on night shut-off, real hinge on cuckoo door, long-life nickel-plated chime spring
High-quality Reuge music box with two melodies: Edelweiss and Happy Wanderer
5-year warranty
VdS certified