German Rare “Harrenhäusle” Cuckoo Clock By Johann Baptist Beha of Eisenbach

An outstanding example of Black Forest horology, this rare “Harrenhäusle” cuckoo clock is the work of Johann Baptist Beha (1815-1898), a prestigious 19th-century clockmaker of Eisenbach, Germany. Beha’s clocks are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative engineering. Examples of this particular Beha architectural form are exceedingly scarce, with fewer than ten known to exist today.

“Harrenhäusle” comes from the German “Herrenhaus”, which translates roughly to “small manor house.” In the context of Black Forest clockmaking, it refers to a distinct architectural form of cuckoo clock created during the mid-to-late 19th century. This style was famously executed by Johann Baptist Beha and a handful of his contemporaries.

The case, entirely hand-carved, takes the form of an elegant multi-story house with remarkable architectural fidelity. It features shingled gabled roofs, mirrored windows, and a stepped entrance. Ornate carved fretwork appears beneath the eaves, enhanced by delicately shaped metal downspouts that accentuate the realism of the design.

Inside, the clock houses a large wood-plate movement with twin fusees, driving both the time and striking trains. The gong strike marks the hours, while bellows and whistles produce the lifelike birdsong of the cuckoo, which appears through upper shutters to announce the time. The bird itself is unusually large and finely detailed—an impressive hallmark of Beha’s finest creations.

This exceptional clock has been restored and is offered with a one-year warranty.

22″ High x 12-1/2″ x Wide x 9″ Deep

Circa 1885