Everyone has one; no one likes it: the alarm clock. As from the latter years of the 19th century, the specialty clock with the loud rattling ring, had become an important product for coordinating time. Its simple basic shape was soon varied to appeal to the buyer. After all, the shape should meet with his discriminating tastes. This was the only way the unpleasant object could be accepted as an accessory for the home.
It remains unclear, which target group the Black Forest clock factory had in mind when making this crucifix alarm clock. A priest who should not miss the divine office over the course of a day? Bigoted bourgeois citizens, more Catholic than the Pope? Or those who were nostalgic and wished to call a cheap imitation of the ornate 16th century crucifix clocks their own?
This is a great mystery, for which there is no answer.
Alarm clock with crucifix, attributed to the Black Forest, c. 1920, Inv. 2011-002