Object Description
A large Swiss extremely finely carved museum quality linden wood table top clock by C.V. Bergen, Interlaken, Swiss Circa 1890 in date.
The clock features a seated maiden wearing a traditional Swiss Dirndl on a naturalistic jagged edge mountain rocky base with an abundance of leafy vines.
The circular enamel dial with applied Roman hour numerals with a French brass 8-day spring-driven time and strike movement. The clock is signed “C.V. Bergen & Co. Interlaken”.
C.V. Bergen & Co was a Swiss manufacturer, known primarily for creating carved wood models in the “Black Forest” style during the late 19th and early 20th century. The company was based in Interlaken, Switzerland, and was notable for signing its work, which was considered important for collectors.
Their work often featured detailed, naturalistic depictions of animals, such as stags, and other decorative items. The pieces are considered collectible art and are sold at auction houses including Christies.
The company’s founder, Carl Von Bergen (1853-1933), was a significant figure in establishing the reputation of wood carving in the Brienz region of Switzerland. The items produced by C.V. Bergen & Co. are now primarily found through auctions and art dealers.
Condition:
In really excellent condition.
The clock case has been cleaned and waxed and the movement has been expertly serviced, and is in working order. Please see the photos for confirmation of condition..
Dimensions in cm:
Height 67 cm x Width 48 cm x Depth 24 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 7 inches x Depth 9 inches
The Black Forest (German: Schwarzwald) is actually located in a triangular area that borders Germany, France and Switzerland and it extends along the Rhine River. The area of the Black Forest is approximately 100 miles long and 40 miles wide
Wood-carving was and is a traditional cottage industry in the region and carved ornaments now are produced in substantial numbers as souvenirs for tourists. Cuckoo clocks are a popular example; they have been made in the region since the early 18th century and much of their development occurred there. In the past singing bird boxes were produced as well.
The small village of Brienz in The Swiss Alps is particularly known for superbly and finely carved linden wood figures as well as many other types of carved items including furniture.
The region was known for producing superbly naturalistic and realistic pieces with the wonderful depiction of flowers and foliage, trees, fur, feathers etc. carved from lime or linden wood
Our reference: 08193