Whimsical and sometimes realistic animations such as this one were commonly reproduced mechanically in the Black Forest sence teh early Nineteenth Century. Here, a woman beats her stitching husband over the head with a rolling pin. One strike for each hour. The tailor moves his sewing with the motion of the pendulum.
The scene recalls the Grimm Brothers’ story about the tailor who, with one blow killed seven flies that were gathering around his fresh jam. He was so proud he made a belt and stitched on the lettering “Seven With One Blow.” As he strutted about town with this belt, rumor began to circulate that he had killed seven MEN with one blow.
When the King heard of this he called upon the tailor to solve some problems for him (giants, a dragon, etc.) and in return the taylor’s reward (of course) was to be the Princess’s hand in marriage.
The taylor had several adventures after that, and even managed to outwit every creature that came accross his bath – using brain instead of brawn to achieve his goal. When he returned to the king he settled down with his new wife the Princess and started up his taylor business again.
Imagine the Princess’s displeasure when she found that she hadn’t married a dashing and courageous prince at all. She was stuck with this lowly Taylor!
Contact clocks@northcoastimports.com if you are interested in this clock. Or, visit our website at www.NorthCoastImports.com
Duration : 0:0:56