A miniature German Black Forest ‘Sorguhr’ wall clock, Johan Kohler in Neustadt, circa 1830

Description

Joseph Sorg

It is not hard to imagine that the unique selling point that Joseph Sorg looked for was probably ‘small’ and ‘endearing’ when he started producing these little clocks around 1830. Some other Black Forest makers started producing them as well like Johan Kohler from Neustadt, but Sorg’s name stuck to the type. Although these little clocks were only produced for about twenty years, there is some development in their appearance. This lovely clock with both striking work and alarm is one of the first generation. The type is called ‘Tropfenuhr’ in German, which freely translates as ‘waterdrop-clock’, referring to its shape. All Sorg-clocks are small and attractive, but in my opinion the curved lines of this type make them even more pretty. It is therefore no surprise that these clocks are liked by almost everybody that see them, both collectors and first-time buyers.

Enamel dial

The 6-cm enamel dial has Roman numerals. The arrow hands are made of blued iron and the engraved alarm disc is made of brass. Above the dial is a brass front showing two eagles drinking from a foutain.

anchor escapement

The weight driven movement of short duration has wooden plates with brass bushes in which the arbors run. The clock is regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a pendulum. The clock has half hour striking on a bell by means of a countwheel mounted on the backplate.

Iohan Kohler in Neustadt

The wooden case has doors to the sides and is signed on the backplate Iohan Kohler in Neustadt. It is hung on the wall by means of a hoop and spurs.