German Cuckoo ClocksLooking for German Cuckoo Clocks? Legend has it that in the year 1630, in the Black Forest are of Germany, a glass peddler returning from Czechoslovakia brought back with him a crudely fashioned wooden clock that used wooden gears and regular stones as weights. This particular clock didn't have a pendulum. Many people liked the clock and during the winters, began to make their own. However, a man named Anton Ketterer was the first one to add a cuckoo bird to the wooden clock in the year 1738. To him goes the credit for the first official cuckoo clock. He made the bird say "coo-coo" by using twin bellows that send air through small pipes, giving the bird its "voice". German cuckoo clocks are decorated with different themes or styles. The Moving Wood Sawyers & Turning Waterwheel German Black Forest Cuckoo Clock is a fine example of cuckoo clock craftsmanship. This particular style is authentic (actually made in Black Forest, Germany), made from wood, has a turning water wheel, features moving men who saw wood, and plays music, all in addition to keeping time. Another popular theme is the Hunter's Clock. These feature live or dead animals, powder horns and guns, carved in wood. Traditional, chalet and novelty are the three styles of cuckoo clocks on the market today. Traditional German cuckoos are carved wood with accents like leaves, animals or flowers. Chalet cuckoo clocks are made from wood as well, but feature brightly painted accents such as trees, deer or snow. Some designs even include a weather house with a temperature gauge built-in. The novelty cuckoo clocks are the most popular because they have interesting moving parts, along with being tastefully painted. They tend to be a bit more whimsical, rather than traditional. In addition, the “Bahnhäusle” style of German cuckoos are also available. These were inspired by the small lookout buildings built beside the railroad (built by Italians). These clocks are adorned with wild grapevines, showcasing the Italian influence which brought about this particular design. German cuckoos are a wonderful way to liven up any home or décor, but aren't necessarily for everyone. For someone who has a deep appreciation for the common craftsman, these clocks might hold more of a fascination. They aren't inexpensive, but are well worth the investment if you do indeed like hearing "coo-coo" of German cuckoo clocks every half hour or on the hour each day. Leave The German Cuckoo Clocks Page To Go To The Home Page Go To The Kitchen Wall Clocks Page |