Cuckoo Clocks

Margaret Mauldin asked:


In the long history of clock making and time keeping, cuckoo clocks play a large role in the appreciation of art in clocks. The traditional style of the cuckoo clock is a wooden case decorated with carved leaves and animals and an automation of a bird that appears through a small door while the clock is striking. A cuckoo clock is typically pendulum driven, striking the hour and half hour, using bellows and pipes that imitate the cuckoo call. Today’s cuckoo clocks are almost always driven by weights. The weights are made of cast iron in a pine cone shape. Most cuckoo clocks today are made in the “traditional style” to hang on a wall in your home or office. .

The call of the cuckoo bird in a clock was being heard in parts of East Germany and a region of the Czech Republic as early as 1650. It took nearly a century for the cuckoo clock to find its way to the Black Forest. Late in the 17th century in a region of southwest Germany, the tradition of clockmaking as we know it,started in the Black Forest. In Germany, there are several different firms making the whole cuckoo clock or parts of it. The cuckoo clock is a favorite souvenir of travelers. The people who make cuckoo clocks are dedicated craftsmen whose products are works of art. Black Forest and Black Forest style-cuckoo clocks are highly sought after in antique stores, flea markets and retail shops. They can command expensive prices. Cuckoo clocks are valuable because of their unique artistry and elaborate hand carvings. The railway-house form of the basic cuckoo clock today,is carved of leaves, birds, deer heads and other animals. They have become the symbol of the Black Forest and are recognized anywhere in the world. In the present market there are also quartz battery powered cuckoo clocks that produce a digital cuckoo each hour.

Cuckoo clocks are sold for all budgets, from modest pieces with little decoration to colossal works of art which demand high prices. The cuckoo clock has been or is used in everyday life today as pendants, games, postcards, toys, in movies music and literature. The cuckcoo clock still is one of the most familiar clocks today and has become a part of our culture. Cuckoo clocks add charm and character to any home or office. Cuckoo clocks make great gifts, souvenirs and timepieces. Cuckoo clocks truly are unique artistic creations.

Reference: Wikipedia



Tim

Andrei Myers asked:


While you might have digital clocks that are a lot more convenient and affordable, nothing beats owning a classic timepiece like antique grandfather clocks. Some people are lucky enough to have this timeless heirloom in their family. But for those of you who don’t, there are numerous antique grandfather clocks in the market.

Things To Do Before You Go Shopping

There’s a lot more to purchasing antique grandfather clocks than just deciding on getting one and heading off to a clock dealer. Buying antique grandfather clocks is a serious task by itself and definitely a big undertaking.

Just to give you an idea, there are quite a number of good antique clock makers and each brand carries numerous styles of grandfather clocks. Now, if you don’t follow a systematic plan, buying antique grandfather clocks will eat up a lot of your time.

Here are a few tips that will help you cut your shopping time in half:

1. Think about where you want to place your grandfather clock. This will make step 2 a lot easier.

2. Considering the theme of the room you want to place it in, decide on the style and size of the grandfather clock. Aside from deciding on the style of the case, think about the face of the clock. Do you want one with an elaborate design, or would you prefer a plain face?

3. Other things you must think of are the finish and the features. Remember that while most antique grandfather clocks are more superior than contemporary clocks in terms of quality and craftsmanship, they lack modern features, such as volume adjustment and night silence options.

4. Decide on a specific brand. If you can’t decide on just one brand, pick two. This will help you narrow down your search. For example, you can choose between a Howard Miller or a Seth Thomas.

5. Make a list of registered dealers. Buying from a reputable seller will assure you of the clock’s authenticity.

Checking the Condition of Your Antique Grandfather Clock

Let’s say you’ve found the exact model you want out of the many antique grandfather clocks available. The next thing you must do is focus on the assessment the clock’s condition, that is if you want to get your money’s worth. After getting the age and history of the clock, you must:

1. Check if the clock works and if it is still able to keep good time. Ask to hear the chimes and make sure that it sounds fine.

2. Carefully check the case - front, side, and back. Look for dents or damages aside from those mentioned by the dealer (if any).

3. If buying from an online shop, ask pictures of every part of the grandfather clock. Have the seller list down the clock’s pre-existing damages. Don’t think twice about asking for a guarantee.

4. Find out if any part of the clock has been replaced. Ask the seller to identify the parts of the clock that are original.

5. Ask the dealer when and where the clock was last serviced and ask for the contact information of the person who did the work.

6. Inquire about the operation and proper care of the clock. Ask the seller to write down instructions on winding the clock and setting the time, chime, and alarm.

These tips will make it easier to shop for the antique grandfather clock of your dreams.



Juan

slinkyjoe3 asked:


He plays it live sometimes and it is a slower tune. I’m not talking about the Album “Cuckoo Clocks from Hell”. I mean the actual song by the same name. It is also not the song “the Cuckoo Parade”. Help!!

Rosa

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


In 1926, Howard Miller, aged 21, founded a company the main purpose of which was to manufacture clocks. The key concept that sells Howard Miller wall clocks so well is the close attention to details; it is almost impossible not to notice the fine execution elements when you closely examine their work. The materials are exquisite, the design is very well studied and the craftsmanship of the work is remarkable.

There are more types of Howard Miller wall clocks. You can find gallery wall clocks, key wound wall clocks, quartz, retro designs, accuwave and technical wall clocks. No matter what your idea about the perfect classical wall clock may be, you’ll find something to your liking by browsing through the Howard Miller wall clocks collection. The more conservative persons will be very happy to find that the range of products is very wide, and they have plenty of models to choose from.

Howard Miller wall clocks make great gifts for weddings; your budget is safe , and your friends will appreciate the time teller that reminds them the moment of their union. You might want to know that Howard Miller is the clock producer with the widest grandfather clock collection in the world.

For the ones that know little about grandfather clocks, they usually include pendulums. Such Howard Miller wall clocks are large, weight-driven, 6-8 feet tall with the  pendulum inside the tower or at the mid of the case. They strike the time every hour or fraction of  an hour, so that the place where they is anything but quiet.

The term of grandfather clock was not invented by Howard Miller, it did not appear together with the Howard Miller wall clocks. In 1876 , Henry Clay Work wrote a song about two brothers that were so close, that when one of them died, a clock began to lose time. Despite the many attempts to repair it, the clock still didn’t work, and, when the second brother died, the clock stopped running altogether.

There is the notion of grandmother and granddaughter clocks. If the clock is smaller than 5 feet (about 1.5 meters), the term used is “granddaughter clock”. Between 1.5 m you’ll hear about grandmother clocks, while the grandfather variety starts with with 1.8 m.

Beside Howard Miller clock company, there are a few other classical wall clock producers. Here we can mention James Stewart and Sons, Seth Thomas Clock Company, Ridgeway Clocks or D’ Clock Boutique. In the ancient times, William Barrow, Thomas Ross, Henry Young or Thomas Cartwright were internationally recognized as the great clock tycoons.



Javier

Bill Kernodle asked:


Yes, you can have a very nice digital clock by your bedside that will play the radio when you wake up, the digital numbers glow with your favorite colors and it will even play music for you with a timer until you are asleep. That is fine, but there is absolutely nothing like the gentle sound of a chime or bell coming from the living room telling you not only what the time is, but in a soft, musical and soothing way. This is the antique clock.

It was not so many years ago that digital clocks did not exist. The “grandfather “or “long case” clock was more the norm than was the bedside alarm clock. Now of course this grandfather clock has become an antique clock, fit to be enjoyed and treasured for lifetimes.

An antique clock is unusual in the world of antiques in that it is a working piece of art, or should be in order to get the most enjoyment and value. I would definitely think twice about attempting to buy a clock that is not working and expect that it will be easy to get it up and running. It may be neither easy or indeed possible. Often it takes a skilled clock maker to repair a clock and it is usually not cheap.That being said, perhaps you may get a better deal on a non-working clock if you know someone to repair it or can do it yourself.

The antique clock is primarily a timepiece after all. I have had the pleasure to have owned some and been in homes that had them and I can personally attest to the soothing feeling mentioned previously that comes from the hour on the hour ( or even half hour) chime or bell in the middle of the night. To me it is somewhat like a fog horn, lonesome and soothing at the same time.

In earlier times the grandfather clock was ever present and homes had very high ceilings. If this is one you are considering, make sure you know the dimensions of both the entrance to your home as well as the actual ceiling height. It would be a shame to purchase an antique clock and not be able to stand it upright!

Secondarily the antique clock is furniture. It graces your home in a particular way with its mahogany case and brass clock face.The longcase or grandfather clock was originally evolved from a pendulum clock that hung on the wall, the case being added to enclose the pendulum. Since this time the grandfather clock has become an art form in itself and very desirable to collectors. As you know with any furniture, in addition to the clock mechanism, there are many factors which determine its value and desirability; specifically age, quality and condition. It may surprise you to know that superior clocks of this type from the late 17th or early 18th century may be valued at $500,000.00.

Pendulum clocks are wound with a key to keep the tension on the movement and enable it to keep time. There are two types of movements, 8 day and 30 hour. This means that this is the interval at which they must be wound in order not to lose time or run down completely. The 8 day clocks have a weight which drives the pendulum and one which drives the bell or chime. These clocks have keyholes on either side of the dial to wind each one. Some clocks also came with the added feature of having a moon dial or a tidal dial for local tidal times.

Most clocks have not survived the ravages of time with out repair or in some case deliberate alteration in order to make it appear more desirable. Adding an 8 day movement where there was none originally or replacing or adding ornaments where the original is broken off or never existed. Detecting this sort of alteration is best left to the expert. If you feel there is something odd about the clock you are considering, you may save yourself a considerable amount of time and money to consult a professional to evaluate your antique clock.



Henry

anonymous3300 asked:


I just want to know if there’s a way to take the bellows and internal workings out of a traditional pendulum-driven cuckoo clock and then being able to put it back together again without breaking anything. I noticed that the bellows are held in each by one screw, but is it glued too? And the clock movements? Any way to easily take those out?

Anna

x_ped asked:


my mother is looking for a cuckoo, koo koo, cockoo clock. are there any places that i can go into and find a finely crafted clock? if not in netherlands anywhere nearby?

Ann

♥ asked:


Can anyone please tell me the lesson for this book and why u picked it
and wat u would rate it and why

Tahnks****

Jay

Barbara Tobiasz asked:


Last night I was on the telephone talking to one of my best friends. Through our many topics that we were discussing she mentioned that she was on a quest for the perfect contemporary wall clock. She said she needed the perfect clock to fit in with her current style of decor. She continued describing the furniture and other accessories that were already in the room. She concluded by adding that her search for just the right time piece has lead her to no avail. Her clever last statement made me laugh and I was also quite impressed. She stated that she will run out of time before she runs out of options.

Our conversation got me thinking. What actually is a contemporary wall clock? What makes it different then your traditional or kitchen wall clock? I looked up the definition of contemporary. It states that it is modern and has characteristics of the present. I found out that the simplistic and geometrical design is the overwhelming style that all contemporary wall clocks share. They all have sharp lines and often mix modern and traditional design which is the hallmark of the contemporary look.

The modern features are sometimes achieved by using different types of materials like metal, plastic, colored fabrics or a combination of all three. The element that stands out is the fact that artists use their imagination to invent new shapes and designs that reflect modernism in its complexity. It can look like a wall sculpture rather then a flat image. It is more like a modern piece of art that you can display proudly. They seem to define the tone and decor of your home.

A room without a contemporary wall clock does not look finished. Set one on your wall and instantly it transforms your house into a home. You can have a formal elegant style or fun carefree atmosphere. No matter what your choice is, it will always add a sleek and modern appeal to your room.  

Another positive feature is that it is priced to fit anyone’s budget. You can find them as inexpensive as $20.00 or very costly. They are also a synch to hang. They are very light weight so all you need is a hammer and a screw and it will be up on your wall for all to see in a matter of minutes.

Some designs have no hands but they all have bold colors and daring lines. There are some clocks, when placed under lights, their colors change in hues. I ran across one company that will custom design your clock. You simply choose a color you like and they will make the face with that color. One thing is for certain, you will not find a design on contemporary wall clocks that feature animals, flowers or members of your family.  

The development of electronics during the 20th century led to clocks with no clock work parts at all. Some newer clocks can reset themselves based on radio or internet time server that is tuned to national atomic clocks.

For my formal dinning area I chose a contemporary grandfather clock.  Believe me, it does not slightly resemble the grandfather clocks that come to mind. It is made of chrome and metal and is the focal point of the room. When guests come by it is always the major topic of conversation.  It does chime and makes my dog run around in circles hourly. I have to admit sometimes I’m so frazzled I shut off the sound.

If you are in need of a house warming gift, this definitely should be your choice. I am certain you will be able to find just the right clock that will highlight and accentuate their decor.

For a timely display of elegance, function and conversation, make this the right choice for you. Make this the day to add style and grace to that lifeless wall. You must keep in mind that only time is waiting.



Eva

Timothy Shaw asked:


Step 1: Pull your grandfather clock away from the wall without banging it on anything preventing marks and dings. It is better to use an extra person when moving grandfather clocks, to help assure security from falling or getting dings.

Step 2: Use a soft cloth or feather duster when cleaning grandfather clocks.  This will keep from causing scratches.  Continue by dusting the grandfather clocks glass surface.  Open the door to the pendulum.  Very carefully, dust in the pendulum compartment area, ensuring not to bump the pendulum.

Now that you are done removing the grandfather clocks loose dust and debris, it is time to apply a high quality furniture polish to your grandfather clocks. 

Step 3: Apply the high-quality polish of your choice to a very soft cloth following the polish application guidelines.  Starting from the grandfather clocks top, apply the wax to the grandfather clocks surface using small circular motions. Always start from the grandfather clocks top and work your way to the bottom.      

Now that the grandfather clocks surface is covered with the polish of your choice, the dried polish must be wiped off.

Step 4: Discard the first cloth used for applying the grandfather clocks polish.  Take another clean soft cloth and remove the dried wax in small circular motions working from top to bottom.  This process will ensure the beautiful shine for grandfather clocks.

Step 5: It’s time to clean the grandfather clocks glass.  Do not spray directly on the grandfather clocks glass ensuring there will not be any spotting on the grandfather clocks wood surfaces.  Using a non-ammonia based glass cleaner, spray the cleaner on the cloth and then clean the grandfather clocks glass surface.

These are the 5 steps to cleaning grandfather clocks.  Remember to use caution when moving grandfather clocks.  Some grandfather clocks can be quite bulky and heavy.  Using an extra person when moving grandfather clocks will ensure that grandfather clocks will not fall or be moved into something causing scratches and marks that cannot be removed.  Clean grandfather clocks are happy grandfather clocks.



Marcia