German Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks
What originated in the Black Forest of Germany in the seventeenth century? German Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks of course! The cuckoo clock not only keeps time, it is also a work of art. Later in the week, I will share my ideas on how to properly care for a cuckoo clock.
German Black Forest cuckoo clocks are made mostly out of wood. Some internal parts are now made of brass so that they will hold up longer. Some clocks have two chains with acorn-shaped weights on the ends. One chain controls the clock, and one controls the cuckoo. Some clocks also feature music and will have a third chain and weight to control the music. Do you have a favorite? Cuckoo clocks originated in Furtwangen or Triberg in the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany.
The German Clock Route takes today’s tourists through the central and southern Black Forest where they can see enormous (house-sized) working cuckoo clocks, see traditional clocks being made, and also purchase these ever-popular souvenirs. I will talk more about that next week as I prepare a for a trip to Europe. I hope you will join me.
Didi Duma says:
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October 26, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I have a 1-day Lotscher cuckoo clock (Switzerland) that worked fine the first day until the weights (movement and cuckoo) went down. However, when I wanted to rise them up, pulling on the other side of chains, the chains do not go down (they are stuck). Same thing is happening when trying to rewind for middle position of the weights not only when they are down.
I appreciate your help,
Sincerely,
Didi
Thanks for your question. You have a fine timepiece. Lotscher Ltd. is the only genuine Swiss brand of cuckoo clocks in existence today. It is possible that the chains have slipped off the chain-wheels. (that happens often if the clock is turned upside down). Another possibility is a broken gearwheel that is part of the clock’s movement.
I would suggest carefully inspecting the inside movement mechanism. If you are unsuccessful in making the fix yourself, then I would recommend contacting an authorized Lotscher agent, in the US at clockodile@yahoo.com or in Switzerland at info@loetscher.ch. Good luck and keep following our blog.