Black Forest Clocks Made to Order, whether for a Wedding or because of “Giraffomania”

Individually designed lacquered shields were made for special occasions. Hence, a clock with the names of the bride and groom written on the dial became a popular wedding gift. The clock-makers of the Black Forest even responded to fashion trends, such as “giraffomania” in Paris, with an unconventional lacquered shield.

In the Black Forest it was customary, especially in the 19th century, to give the bride and groom a clock for their wedding. With their names on the dial, that of the groom at the top, the bride’s name below, the clock became a personalized gift. This clock would show both good and bad times in marriage.

1827. The clockmakers of the Black Forest even learned of the giraffe fad in distant Paris.  The arrival of the first giraffe in Paris unleashed a storm of enthusiasm. The animal with the long neck was used as a motif on china, hand-held fans and wallpaper. Fully in keeping with this trend, the Black Forest clockmakers crafted lacquered shields using the giraffe as a motif.