Johann Baptist Beha is without question one of the most famous cuckoo clockmakers to have ever lived. The innovations that he brought to the cuckoo clock without question shaped the cuckoo clock into the clock that is recognized today.

Although his innovations are many, possibly the most significant innovation he brought was being the first in the Black Forest to integrate the cuckoo movement into an enclosed case.  Before this time the cuckoo was only being produced with a lacquered shield.

Although this small and simple Beidermeier cuckoo with alabaster comumns looks unassuming. This clock is so histrionically significant because it was made by Johann Baptist Beha in 1842, when he was just 27 years old, it is one of the earliest known examples of a cased cuckoo clock. If fact there is just one other known surviving example of a cased cuckoo clock from this period, and it resides in the Cuckooland Museum in the UK.

This clock is also documented in the book Beha Uhren by Wilhelm Schneider. It is shown in the first page of the Beha chapter next to the only other known example, and it historic significance is discussed in detail.

Its history is equally exciting. The clock was first discovered by the author in the early 1980′s. A blurry photo was sent from the United States to Germany. After this initial contact the owner of the clock and its owner vanished and it was lost. Even though the photo was of very poor quality, its historical significance made it worthy to be included in the publication. The photo of this identical clock first taken in the early 1980′s is featured in the book.

With great fortune I recently purcahsed a large collection of over 20 Black Forest clocks. To my excitement this Beha, that has been “missing” for decades was apart of this collection… and now it has a permanent home here.

We are always interested in purchasing cuckoo clocks. Especially early clocks made by Johann Baptist Beha during the 1840′s and 1850′s.

This is a beautiful trumpeter clock made by Gordian Hettich Sohn in Furtwangen Germany C. 1890. The clock plays a bugle call of 3 notes on two horn, once for each hour.

The case is fantastic. A very unusual motif. Our favorite detail is the small snail that is incorporated into the motif at the bottom of the clock.

This identical clock was featured in Rick Ortenburger’s book, Black Forest Clocks on page 228. The author dedicated a full page to this clock in the trumpeter clock chapter.

We have taken several photos of the clock and a video of the clock in action.

We located this beautiful Emilian Wehrle model #8 trumpeter clock in Amsterdam. Its a wonderful example of Emilian’s work fro 1880. The case is fantastic with full columns, a round top, and exquisite carvings. After striking the hour the clock plays a complex musical tune on 6 zinc horns. As the tune plays the large double doors open and the trumpeter figures step out onto the balcony.

The condition of this piece is fantastic. One of the cleanest we have found. The clock retains the retailers label of Ed Schirrmann in Paris. Schirrman was a retailer that specialized in Black Forest clocks, importing many wonderful pieces into France.

My book, Rare and Unusual Black Forest Clocks, is the most comprehensive text in any language dedicated to Emilian Wehrle and his musical clocks.

I am always looking to purchase trumpeter clocks in any condition. If you have a clock you would like me to consider please contact me at justin@blackforestclocks.org

At the moment I have a pair of rare Beha model 932 monk clocks sitting on my coffee table. It it amazing to have both of these rare pieces together.

The clock on the right is in my private collection. In addition to the traditional features found on a Beha monk clock (8- day time, hour strike with cuckoo call, Angelus strike with monk automata)… It also has a rare cuckoo or quail complication which allows you to choose between a cuckoo or a quail call. There were only two Beha monk clocks ever made with this complication according to the Beha records… and it is the only known surviving example.

The clock on the left is a traditional model 932. The condition of this piece is fantastic. One of the nicest known surviving examples. The color contacts on the case is beautiful.

I recently located the second clock in England, and it has already been sold to a new home. I will be personally delivering the clock to California shortly.

I am always interested in purchasing cuckoo clocks with monk complications. If you have an example in any condition please contact me. My book, Rare and Unusual Black Forest Clocks, also provides a detailed overview of the clocks made by Johann Baptist Beha during the 19th century. Author signed copies can be ordered directly through our website.