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8 Clock Cuckoo Day Article

Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep it running smoothly and accurately. Some cuckoo clocks have two weights and some have three. Since the internal working parts for these two types of timing mechanisms are different, the prices for repairing them will be different no matter where you go or who does the work. Since cuckoo clocks can be purchased for prices ranging from as little as $39.99 for mass produced, discontinued or used items, to as much as many thousands of dollars for pristine, well maintained older versions by acknowledged craftsmen, you should take into account the value of your individual item before you attempt to have anything repaired.

As always, the handcrafted items that decorate the cuckoo clock are only repairable by an equally talented artist or craftsman, so you may have to make do with some sort of damage to the appearance of your cuckoo clock rather than having it professionally repaired. If such a tragedy occurs, it may be worth trying to spend some quality time with your cuckoo clock, some crazy glue and a paint brush and simply do the best you can. Obviously, a museum quality antique cuckoo clock may require the work of some well-trained repair artist or even the original artist if he's still around, to repair damage to the appearance of the cuckoo clock or the fa�ade. For most, however, the Internet provides a number of companies who specializing in repairs, regardless of the age or who manufacturer of the cuckoo clocks.

One of the most popular repair websites on the Internet is the aptly named howtorepairclocks.com. Displaying expertise and quite extensive knowledge about all manner of timepieces, modern as well as antiques, howtorepairclocks.com will run you through a series of questions and inform you about simple, at home repairs you might want to try before sending your treasured timepiece to them for repairs. Their frequently asked questions page has saved many a cuckoo clock owner from the hassle of having to pack their cuckoo clock in protective shipping gear and send it to the company for repair.
About the Author

Cuckoo Clocks Info provides detailed information on Black Forest, antique, and quartz cuckoo clocks, as well as parts, repair, movement, kits, manufacturer reviews, and advice on where to purchase discount clocks. Cuckoo Clocks Info is the sister site of Grandfather Clocks Web.

Written by: Kristy Annely

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8 Clock Cuckoo Day Article

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

Written by: Bill Carmel

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