Cuckoo-Clocks

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Antique Clock Cuckoo German Article

Cuckoo clocks make great gifts, souvenirs, and timepieces that will add charm and character to any home. If you are in the market for a cuckoo clock, carefully consider your options before purchase. In addition to scouring your local antique and clock shops, turn your search to the World Wide Web to find that perfect clock. Since cuckoo clocks are traditionally made in the Black Forest area of Germany, consider picking one up on your next European holiday or purchasing one from a store based in the country. There are countless places to find the perfect cuckoo clock, so start your search today.

When looking for a cuckoo clock, you should first assess your budget and expectations. Cuckoo clocks are sold in all budgets, from modest pieces with little decoration and moving parts to colossal works of art that can occupy an entire wall. Additionally, consider the space for your cuckoo clock. When finding a place in your home, ensure the clock's weights and chains will have plenty of room to move, since obstacles that block the movement would prevent the clock from properly working. Also, consider the look you want for your cuckoo clock. Although the traditional look of the clocks may be similar, different makers offer different styles of clocks, from the more modestly decorated to the king of kitsch.

By far, the best place to look for a cuckoo clock is in Germany. Although a European visit may be more than a hop, skip, and a jump away, if you are planning to visit the country in the near future, keep in mind a cuckoo clock is an excellent souvenir. Many manufacturers open their shops and workshops to the public, allowing you to chat with the men and women that created your personal timepiece. In addition to learning about the history of the clocks, the experience is one that is sure to be remembered.

If international travel is not on your itinerary, look to your local shops for cuckoo clocks. Most shops that sell clocks will have at least a couple styles of cuckoo clocks. Also, if you are interested in purchasing an older clock, check out the antique stores in your area or visit local flea markets to see what your search will reveal. In some instances, you may be able to pick up a clock for less money than in a store, but keep in mind the clock may need to be repaired or restored.

For a greater source of cuckoo clocks, turn to the World Wide Web. The internet is a veritable treasure trove for anything and everything under the sun. A quick internet search will produce countless dealers that sell every imaginable version of cuckoo clocks. However, keep in mind when using the internet as a shopping tool that scams can be more difficult to detect. In order to not become separated from your hard earned cash through a tricky internet scam, ensure you purchase a cuckoo clock from a quality, reputable dealer with a sterling reputation.

Looking for an antique cuckoo clock? Turn to internet auction sites like Ebay! Ebay is a fantastic tool for finding anything and everything under the sun and unites the world through a single forum that serves as a gigantic flea market. Again, the word on Ebay is "buyer beware," so only purchase clocks from sellers with positive feedback from previous buyers. Also, keep in mind that older clocks may need more work, which results in costs associated with hiring a clockmaker to fix your newfound treasure. Although they may need a bit of tender loving care, antique cuckoo clocks are truly unique creations.

About the author:

Donna Somerkin specializes in Cuckoo Clocks http://www.cuckoo-clocks-u.com

Written by: Donna Somerkin

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Antique Clock Cuckoo German Article

The inexpensive quartz watches and clocks you see everywhere today keep time far more accurately than the stately grandfather clocks of yesteryear. But the latter have a charm and presence that few modern time-keeping devices can match.

It is thought that the very first mechanical clocks were devised by European monks sometime during the 13th century. They didn't have clock faces and hands to show the time. Instead, they struck a bell on the hour. So you couldn't tell the time by looking at these early clocks!

Later, an hour hand was added. Small domestic clocks made an appearance during the first few decades of the 15th century. There used to be a device called a lantern clock, which was a weight-driven time piece, which made its way to upper class homes around that time.

The major breakthrough in clock design came about in 1582 when Galileo discovered that a pendulum has a fixed period and so could be used for timekeeping. However, he did not actually build a pendulum-based clock.

That task was accomplished by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. His design was a significant improvement over the earlier mechanical clocks, because it was accurate to within three minutes or so per day.

The early pendulum clocks had short pendulums. The movements were made of cast iron and the clocks hung on the wall. Subsequently, they were encased in wood to improve their looks.

Around 1660, clocks with longer pendulums were introduced by English clockmakers. In another decade, the anchor escapement was perfected by William Clement. Robert Hook introduced the 39.1 inch pendulum. Together, these developments led to the creation of the first grandfather clocks, which often stood a majestic 7 feet tall.

They weren't called grandfather clocks, though. The early name was long case clocks or floor clocks. The term grandfather clock became popular only during the 1880s, after Henry Work wrote a song titled 'Grandfather's clock'.

Meanwhile, clock movements improved in design and manufacture. Long case clocks could keep time to within a few seconds variation per week. At this stage, a minute hand was added to clocks. With elaborately carved wood casings and the use of glass to highlight the clock face and pendulum, the grandfather clock evolved into an attractive timepiece.

In the early days, it cost a lot to produce long case clocks. They adorned mansions of royals and nobles. Production costs came down with time and other well-off households could afford them too.

It was in the 1680s that long case clocks first reached America. A few years later, they began to be produced in New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other places. In the 19th century, American clock making centers came up with brass movements, which cut costs significantly. That ended the dominance of the English as clock makers.

Grandfather clocks with their pendulum time-keepers can't rival the precision or reliability of modern atomic clocks. But there's something reassuringly solid and comforting about these time pieces of another era. One can safely predict that grandfather clocks will remain fixtures in connoisseurs' living rooms for a long time to come.
About the Author

Peter Strides is a connoisseur of clocks. He has written on grandfather clocks, the history of the pendulum clock, tips for setting up a grandfather clock and more.

Written by: Peter Strides

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