Beha 8-day Shelf cuckoo clock

Object Description

An 1860s German rosewood and brass inlaid mantel cuckoo clock in Biedermeier styling by the pre-eminent maker of Black Forest cuckoo clocks, Johann-Baptiste Beha.

The arched rosewood case is inlaid with scrolling brasswork and pewter and coloured acanthus leaves, the top centred by a door revealing a painted cuckoo, on a shaped platform base. The original hand-painted cuckoo has articulated wings, tail and beak.

The wood plated 8-day fusee striking movement has the usual Beha distinguishing features – the coiled end click springs on the fusee stop work and the tapered steel piece behind the count wheel, both visible on the back plates. It strikes the hours and the passing of the half hour on a gong, accompanying the call of the cuckoo.

The white enamel convex 5″ dial is signed M. KAISER, CARDIFF

Object History

Elias Kaiser was born in 1843 in Baden, Germany, son of Joseph Kaiser. He was known to be trading at St Mary Street, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales during the 1865 to 1887 period. It is puzzling that this dial is signed M. Kaiser, rather than E. Kaiser, because that is certainly the correct period for this clock to have been first retailed.

Object Literature

This model is listed and illustrated on page 161 of Wilhelm Schneider’s book, Beha-Uhren.

Object Condition

The movement is awaiting servicing, but is original and complete. The leather bellow tops will be recovered, and the movement overhauled – the clock will be sold with a 3-year guarantee.

Object Details