History of cuckoo clocks
Cuckoo clocks are unique creations that are centuries old. The
first cuckoo clock was produced back in the early 18th century
in Germany's region known as the Black Forest. Clock making in
this area of Germany dates back to the early 17th century,
almost a full hundred years before clockmakers and craftsmen
produced the very first cuckoo clock. The father of cuckoo
clocks in believed to be the German clockmaker, Franz Anton
Ketterer, although there are a great many stories and lore
revolving around this unique timepiece.
This early clock was thought to be inspired by a Bohemian design
from the late early 1600s that came to Germany from a peddler
from the modern day Czech Republic. This method of selling
timepieces made the cuckoo clock even more famous, as clock
makers all around the Black Forest area of Germany. In the next
three centuries, peddlers would travel all around Europe selling
these charming timepieces, further influencing different areas
of Europe with the unique sound of the cuckoo clock.
Although the first cuckoo clocks were made of wood, they are a
great deal simpler in style than the intricately decorated and
heavily carved creations that are usually thought of to be
cuckoo clocks. Instead of just the case being made of wood,
early Germany clockmakers made every piece of the clock from
wood, including the gears and other working parts. This is one
of the reasons why these early clocks have fallen into disrepair
or are completely lost. Furthermore, many of these early clocks
were painted with watercolor paints, which do not have the
potential to hold their pigments over time and are easily
removed by simply cleaning the clock with a damp cloth.
Although these early clocks were more primitive than their
modern day counterparts, they included the famous cuckoo bird
instead of more traditional chimes to mark the hour. Native to
Asia, Africa, and Europe, the cuckoo bird is a unique bird that
lays their eggs in the nests of other birds, which in turn rear
the cuckoo's young as surrogate parents. This bird was commonly
grey in color, although the female features a vibrant tuft of
red feathers atop her head.
Also like today's clocks, the early cuckoo clocks were decorated
in schemes that showed families, military motifs, or hunting
scenes. In the late 1800s, the production of cuckoo clocks
became industrialized and began production for customers all
over Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world. Soon, the
cuckoo clock became immediately synonymous with Germany life and
style, making the timepiece an incredibly popular souvenir.
Three of the more famous clock makers in Germany began making
cuckoo clocks, namely Theodore Ketterer, Fidel Hepting, and
Johann Baptist Beha.
Unlike the industrialization in other parts of the world where
large, noisy, dirty factories took over the countryside, the
cuckoo clock factories were generally much smaller and housed in
cottages where entire families would contribute one specific
part of the clock. Each individual was trained in one aspect of
clock making or decorating, with one family member working on
the actual clock, another working on the case carving, another
on painting the decorations, and another to completely assemble
the piece. Over 13,500 men, women, and children worked in making
cuckoo clocks during this period of time in the Black Forest
village of Triberg.
Today, the cuckoo clock has made its way all over the world.
Still made in many of the same traditions, the most historic
cuckoo clocks are still produced in the Black Forest region.
Whether you choose to decorate your home with a clock that
houses the tiny bird or want a true German souvenir to remember
your trip, a cuckoo clock is the perfect addition to any home.
About the author:
Bill Carmel specializes in Cuckoo Clocks
http://www.u-cuckoo-clocks.com
Bill Carmel
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