[The Black Forest arched clock in the x-ray picture]

The typical painted wooden Black Forest clock of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century was the original famous Black Forest clock. The clocks changed from a useful article to an object in great demand by collectors; however, among them there are many fakes. Because of the use of colors containing lead and zinc at that time, the paint on these clocks can be evaluated radiologically and restaurations made later or even fakes can be detected easily. Important information can even be obtained about the wood used: its condition, the wooden axles, and abrasion of the gears.