J. F. Schreiber (Publisher)
Die Uhr: Ein Lehrreiches Bilderbuch (Movable Book)
Esslingen bei Stuttgart: J. F. Schreiber, 1897. First edition. Oblong quarto (22.5 x 29.5 cm / 8.5 x 11.5 in). [24] pages. Original chromolithographed pictorial paper-covered boards with red cloth spine. Illustrated with 24 full-page color lithographs by Lothar Meggendorfer and two mounted movable clock dials with metal hands. Text in German by Ferdinand Feldigl. Schreiber catalog number 177.
Condition: Good. Both movable clocks retain replacement hands and are functional. Interior pages are tightly bound and generally clean, with occasional corner creases from turning. Minor wear to board edges; original cloth spine with light rubbing. Some discoloration and minor foxing to rear cover and pastedowns. Light thumb-soiling to corners of a few pages; one small adhesion mark at inner edge of page 2, and a faint stain to the top border of pages 7–8. Bright, unfaded colors throughout.
A scarce and complete example of the true first edition of this richly illustrated instructional book.
Description:
This rare 1897 first edition of Die Uhr ("The Clock") is a mechanical picture book that takes young readers through the hours of the day with vivid chromolithographed scenes. Two real working clock dials—with movable metal hands—are mounted inside the front and rear covers, visible through die-cut windows on each page. Children are encouraged to move the hands to match each scene, helping them learn how to tell time.
The 24 pages each show a charming domestic or school-related activity at a particular hour: from waking at six, breakfast, classroom lessons, and playtime, through dinner, bedtime, and nighttime scenes. The colorful illustrations—surrounded by elaborately patterned borders—depict period attire, architecture, and customs. Meggendorfer’s signature wit and animation are present in every image.
Die Uhr was written in rhymed verse by Ferdinand Feldigl, who collaborated with Meggendorfer on several educational titles. The cover shows a girl pointing to a clock with curiosity and pride. The book's enduring theme is that a well-structured day is both comforting and enriching.
Collector's Corner:
Die Uhr: Ein Lehrreiches Bilderbuch debuted in 1897 through the firm J. F. Schreiber in Esslingen bei Stuttgart. This is the true first edition, identifiable by its publisher imprint ("Esslingen bei Stuttgart" only). A considerably simplified second edition appeared in 1907 under the revised imprint "Esslingen u. München," with only half the number of color illustrations and a reduced format.
The original edition featured elaborate full-page color lithographs and robust construction, including two independently mounted clocks—a novelty that captivated children and educators alike. An English edition (What’s O’Clock?, London: Grevel, 1897) and a French edition (Quelle Heure Est-Il?, [ca. 1900]) were issued shortly after publication.
Surviving first editions in original condition are quite rare. One copy sold at Ketterer Kunst auction house for $2,592. The Paperboxx database confirms the original publication as:
"1897. Die Uhr. Ein lehrreiches Bilderbuch. Text von Ferdinand Feldigl. Esslingen: Schreiber 1897. 4°. Mit 24 farbigen Illustrationen und zwei Uhren mit verstellbaren Zeigern."
J.F. Schreiber, a prominent children's book publisher, was established in Esslingen, Germany by Jakob Friedrich Ferdinand Schreiber (1809–1867).
References:
Paperboxx. Lothar Meggendorfer 1847–1925: Werkverzeichnis. Comboxx, 2012. Entry on Die Uhr, p. 162.
Ketterer Kunst Auction Records. Lot 263, "Die Uhr, J.F. Schreiber, 1897." Sale archive. https://www.kettererkunst.com/details/
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