Cuckoo Clocks first appeared around the 1700s in the Black Forest region of Germany . They began as a cottage industry for Black Forest farmers who crafted them from local resources during the winter months when their farms were often snowed in, and sold them throughout Europe in the summer. There they were prized as intricate works of art as well as timepieces.
It is widely believed that Franz Anton Ketterer made the first cuckoo clock in 1730. Using bellows to create two distinct sounds, he enabled his clocks to reproduce the call of the cuckoo bird. When others learned his secret, the Black Forest became a large cuckoo clock manufacturing region.
Originally, all workings of these early German cuckoo clocks were made entirely of wood, including the plates and gears. Eventually, however, these were replaced by more sophisticated movements, commensurate with the era and expectations of the marketplace.
Today, the Black Forest remains the traditional centre for cuckoo clock manufacturers such as Schneider Cuckoo Clocks, a firm that began production in 1848. Now, Black Forest cuckoo clocks are sold worldwide through distributors and wholesalers like River City Cuckoo Clocks.
Most cuckoo clocks today, however, have quartz movements requiring little or no maintenance while still retaining the traditional adornments and facades of the older designs.
For those with an eye for value, and a passion for antiques, an antique cuckoo clock can be worth a small fortune today. It has been quipped that if you "take care off your cuckoo clock today, it will take care of you in the future. "
There are many designs of cuckoo clocks. Originally, fairly rustic in appearance, their designs became more detailed and flamboyant as time passed. Scenes of family life, hunting, even couples kissing are depicted, all of which add to the universal appeal of the clocks. Indeed, the kissing cuckoo clocks are some of the more popular versions seen today.
When looking to buy a cuckoo clock, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines:
For a new clock:
Have a realistic budget - remember you get what you pay for.
For an antique cuckoo clock:
Again, be realistic with your budget. Be prepared to spend well over $1000.00 for a genuine antique cuckoo clock from a dealer.
Finally, when the clock is on your wall and you hear the cheerful "Cuckoo " sound, lift your head, toss your hair and smile.
