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20th Century German Design Features
Most German floor clocks will have a rounded top where the clock face is housed, an oak case, and a rose-patterned pendulum bob and weights. The dial face is also usually in a rose pattern and features Arabic numerals. Floral carvings may ornament the base.
The German rounded top can be distinguished from the English curved top in that the German rounded top will usually have little flourish or decoration, flowing naturally into the casing body of the clock, whereas the English curved top will usually have a lip, and the sides of the curved top will extend out slightly on either side of the clock casing body.
Check to see whether your clock was made by prominent German designer Mathias Bauerle. Bauerle, who worked in the Black Forest region of Germany from 1924 to about 1935, stamped his clocks with his company̵7;s insignia ̶0;Embee.̶1; Each Embee stamp comes with a serial number that will allow you to verify its origin.
19th Century German Design Features
Although most German floor clocks come from the 20th century, Gustav Becker was the prominent German clock maker in the 19th century. He mainly created wall clocks, although after the invention of the spring-driven mechanism, he did manufacture a few floor clocks. All Becker clocks will have his initials and a serial number on the back of the dial. His clocks often had flat tops, or ornately carved tops, depending on the application. Check for his initials; if you have a Becker floor clock, you have a very well-made, extremely valuable item.