Purely Home Decor | Home Furniture

Cuckoo clocks are a beautiful, unique time piece. They are typically hand-carved ornate houses with a clock face on the front. Chimes swing from below the house. They house a pop-out bird which presents itself upon chiming. The bird is spring-loaded and will pop out upon the hour. Some cycle on tracks through doors which swing open and closed. The name of the clock stems from the cuckoo bird which is represented in the clock. The cuckoo bird can be found in Africa, Asia and Northern Europe. They are mostly solitary birds that spend their time alone. Many species will call at night.

The first cuckoo clock was probably owned by Prince Elector August von Sachsen. It was a creation from the Black Forest of Germany sometime in the mid 16th century. It was noted to be in existence by a nobleman by the name of Pilipp Hainhofer. Franz Anton Ketterer has also been given credit for the creation of the first Black Forest Cuckoo clock in the mid 17th century. But this may be a legend. Other famous early clock inventors include Theodore Ketterer, Johann Baptist Beha and Fidel Hepting.

The original clocks were less technically advanced than those made later. The internal makings of these clocks were made of wooden gears and plates. Many of the clocks were designed with square shape faces and painted with water color paints. As technology advanced, the clocks the sophistication of the designs increased. Color and animation were added to the clocks. Scenes were added to the clocks. Porcelain columns and painted dials were added as details.

In the 1800’s cuckoo clocks became an industrialized industry. They were made and assembled in factories. Factories consisted of cottages where families lived and worked together on the cuckoo clock parts. Individual parts were assigned to a different member. Handmade decorations were carved. Others assembled the movement parts and others fitted movements in the cases. There were approximately 13,500 men and women in the clock making industry in the villages around Triberg.

Antique cuckoo clocks and German cuckoo clocks are still available for purchase. Original versions and re-creations are available for purchase online. Various websites showcase clocks made in the 1800’s which are available for purchase. Collectors show their pieces online.

Modern cuckoo clocks vary in style and design. They are made in contemporary fashions and styles. Many bear no semblance to the original cuckoo clock. Some clocks are very minimal in design with just hand painted, flat surfaced appearances. The look and feel of the traditional cuckoo clock has evolved significantly. They are all collectible items and make a wonderful gift. You can also find them online. The price will really depend on the style and the quality of the clocks.

Related posts:

1. Living Room Wall Clocks