That's what clock porter "Johann" thinks about...

Sign clocks at uhren-park.de

Before the cuckoo clock became the epitome of Black Forest clockmaking, the so-called lacquer shield clock was the most popular form of clock for a long time. Not only Germany enjoys this particularly beautiful clock, it is also sold in many other countries. Its manufacture and design have always required special skills. It took some time for the lacquer clocks to make a name for themselves, but even today the clocks, which most people probably remember from their grandmother's time, are a wonderful decorative object within their own four walls.

Sign clocks have a long tradition. The lovingly designed clocks epitomise value, as they are very often made by hand in an elaborate process. They were once developed in the Black Forest, which is why they are also known as Black Forest clocks. A classic feature of shield clocks is the special clock shape, which is complemented by a painted and varnished wooden shield. Lacquered shield clocks are usually available in six different sizes. The elaborate paintwork is particularly noteworthy - but unfortunately these are now often just glued on.

The history of the shield clock

Until the middle of the 19th century, there was no more popular clock than the shield clock. From 1770 onwards, people began to paint the open areas, the corners and the shield arch. However, it took almost another 30 years before the clockmakers found a way to make the lovingly designed wooden painted signs durable and sustainable. These pictures usually depicted landscapes or cities. Nowadays, hand-painted clocks are very rare, as there are now only a few clock painters who have mastered this skill.

The production of a shield clock

The shield is usually made from fir wood and soaked in glue water by sign painters. The primer consists of powdered chalk. After a drying process, several layers of white lead are applied, which was previously dissolved in turpentine. The disc must then be dried again and sanded. This also applies to the other decorative elements that characterise the sign clock. Finally, the clockmaker applies the varnish and the clock is polished with a cloth soaked in linseed oil. This creates the typical lacquer shimmer of the clock.

The design essentially consists of a square case and an attached half-arch. There are often columns next to the clock face. The shield is made by hand from wood. Fruit and flowers are very often used to decorate the clock. The colours are striking but at the same time have a slightly faded intensity. This gives the clock its traditional, characteristic look. It is also this antique charm that makes the sign clock s a decorative eye-catcher. The lacquer sign clocks are painted by experienced and qualified clock painters.