This beautiful Black Forest Organ/Flute Clock was made in Furtwangen, Germany. The organ consists of 46 pipes in two ranks (groups). The music is recorded on a wooden barrel/cylinder that is 5” in diameter and 15” long. It plays 8 different German folk tunes, each lasting about 40 seconds. Across the top of the case, there are 6 wooden musicians which raise their instruments and move as the music plays. The musical part of the clock is attributed to C. Muckle and the shield/face is signed by Leodegar Dufner.

The organ mechanism uses bellows to produce the air that flows through the pipes and makes the music. Each pipe has its own mechanical air valve. Pins on the barrel lift the keys that open these valves and allow air to enter the pipes and produce the musical notes.

The clock movement has wooden plates and brass gears. It runs for eight days between windings. There are three weights in the clock. One is for the time, one for the hour strike, and a heavy weight (30 lbs.) runs the music and automata.

The Colonel Wm. Prescott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution donated this clock to the Hoffman Museum. The museum is grateful to have such a rare piece. The clock was restored to working condition in 2010. Click here to listen to one of the eight tunes.

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