Herzlich Willkommen!
I am Bernd Fehrenbach, a cuckoo clock carver from Schonach in Schwarzwald, Germany. My family has been making cuckoo clocks for five generations, and I still hand carve cuckoo clocks in the traditional methods of the Black Forest craftsmen. I created this website to provide information about different types of cuckoo clocks, their history, and how they are made. I also offer tips on cuckoo clock maintenance and repairs.
If you have any questions about cuckoo clocks, please contact me. I will be updating the “cuckoo clock FAQs” page frequently.
Thanks for stopping by,
Bernd Fehrenbach
Hello All!!
I dont know if its the right forum but i recently bought a cuckoo clock made by anton schneider from frankfurt airport as a present for my wife. its supposed to be quartz one. The sample the shop keeper showed me worked ok and then she got me packed box from inside. on getting home i opened the box and the instruction paper said open the back to insert batteries. but there is nothing at all at the back where i can see a battery door!! i see a small control panel which has setings like on off and music off etc . the model number is Q70/9 by anton schneider. I am very dissapointed at the very misleading and inadequate instructions. The clock is there but it cant function!!
My email is
amit_nayar68@yahoo.co.in
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Warm Regards
Amit
ok i found it! i had to pry thru a square hole at the back to open.it was such a tight fit that nobody can think that the whole back wall can come off.lol
Hi Amit, glad you got your cuckoo clock working. Now you are starting to think like a German!
I bought a Linden Black forest Cuckoo clock at our Goodwill shop. It was in the original box that stated ” Genuine Black Forest Cuckoo Clock”. It looked like it was stored in an attic for quite awhile.. Inside, the clock was wrapped in 1969 newspapers. I put the clock together, I had two pull two wire tabs off each bellow. When I turned it back over, the cuckoo popped out-it is one bird/door. The instructions, which are very yellow, mentioned if this happened to leave the door open, the cuckoo will sell adjust when it hits the hour. The clock seems to be keeping time-I started it at 5:30 and at 6 the bird did not cuckoo and remains open? Will this self adjust or is there something I should do? The address on the instructions is “Cuckoo Clock MFG. CO., Inc., 40 West 25th Street, NY, NY 10010. Is this clock from 1969-1970′s? Thank you
Hi Christine, if the chain needed to self adjust, it should have done so immediately and I don’t think it will fix itself at this point. It sounds as if you would need to take it to a cuckoo repair facility some of which you can find here: http://www.germanclocksandgifts.com/about-cuckoo-clocks#answer9
hello, my dad bought a cuckoo clock from schonach when he came to visit us in germany over 20 years ago. it has always worked perfectly. the other day it was slow, and he got it back up to speed, but now when the cuckoo pops out, it doesn’t give that bright, quick “cuckoo”. instead, it sounds like it’s in slow motion, almost like it will stop after the noise and not keep going. we took it to a clockmaker who cannot find the problem. have you ever heard this to happen? does the bird mechanism need a new part or something? thanks for your help! tracey snow, vermont
Hello Tracey, Schonach is my home town! I would take it to a different clockmaker and you can see some repair places here: http://www.germanclocksandgifts.com/about-cuckoo-clocks#answer9
Most likely, it is one of 2 things. It’s possible that the paper on the bellows needs to be replaced. But more likely is that it needs lubrication and a cuckoo clock repair expert would have the correct oil and know where to put it. One chain and weight are part of the cuckoo function. If the chain is sluggish to move, everything connected will be affected as well.
Hi Bernd,
Just a quick question….we bought a cuckoo clock in germany when we were there May 2010. it makes sound every hour and every half hour from 7:30am until 8pm. It has been keeping time until lately. Timing is good but the cuckoo sounds 15 minutes before the appointed time. Is there anything we can do about it?
Thanks,
Hedy
Hello Hedy, This one should be a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself. Gently loosen the nut on the clock hands so that you can move the minute hand freely. Then move the minute hand to the correct hour (or half) for the number of cuckoos. Then you can tighten it a little and test it out to make sure it matches up. If not, readjust it. Once it is set correctly, tighten the nut more securely. Avoid moving the hour hand during this procedure.
My mother in law has a cuckoo clock that was bought for her in Germany many years ago. She now wants to sell it as it is packed away in a box. How can I tell if it is a genuine Black Forest clock, and what it might be worth? . It has what appears to be a serial number on the back.
Hi Jane, unless it is very old or rare it probably does not have an antique value. There are many cuckoo clocks out there since they last for so long when taken care of. To know if it’s from the Black Forest – look for manufacturer information or anything that is from the VdS which is the Black Forest Clock Association.
Hello Bernd,
I have recently started a hobby of restoring Cuckoo Clocks and have been able to find most of the replacement parts
on the Internet. However, please can you possibly tell me where I can purchase the very small dome head tacks for
fixing the clock numerals to the dial ?.
Best regards,
J.A.Barnes (Tony)
Hi Tony, the best place is with the manufacturer of the clock. Saving that, try looking here for some cuckoo parts: http://www.selva.de
hi bernd, recently I came across an old cuckoo clock with the word new jork is this a misspell or is this correct
bob
Hello Bob, it sounds like a “typo”. Where is it on the clock?
hi, bernd, its actualy stamped into the mvmt. (as an example ansonia clock co. new york) engraved into the brass.
I would say it is just a typo then as all high quality cuckoo clocks have parts from Germany and music boxes from Switzerland.
hello
I recently was given a cuckoo clock thats very old in its original box it says on the box Linden Black Forest Cuckoo clock 133. I have been trying to research it and can find nothing on it. It has two doors and three weights with three birds craved on it … I was wondering if you knew any thing about this clock you could tell me??
Hi Stacey, I apologize but we don’t get involved with that type of thing. You would need to take it to an antique dealer that specializes in clocks. Because cuckoo clocks hold up so well, even older ones are not necessarily rare though.
can you tell me how I can get the chain back on again
Hello Bob, we always tell people that this has to be done professionally at a repair facility. Some of them can be seen here: http://www.germanclocksandgifts.com/about-cuckoo-clocks#answer9
Hi, my husband recently bought me a house in Pennsylvania. On the land there is an old verteran house which was condemned. I went in before they tear it down and this clock was surrounded by army pictures and metals; however, it was this clock that tore at my heart….I couldn’t see it be demolished. I was wonder if I sent you a picture you could possibly tell me about it. Its’s all wood except for the real heavy pine cones. On the back it says West Germany 8-76 with “8 day” on it. If you can not I understand…I do don’t do it juctice in its description. Thank you. Kim
Hi Kim, Do you see a manufacturer mark on the clock? It may be just a standard cuckoo clock, especially if it says “West Germany”. If possible, please post a picture on our cuckoo clock Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/blackforestcuckooclock
Is there a specific weight requirement for a 1 day, two weight cuckoo clock pendulum? if there is, what might that weight be please. The one I carved Just acts to lightweight.
Hi Michael, you should base it on the specs of the installed mechanism. However, most would be in the 275-350 gram weight.
Perfect. Thank You for all your help you have given.
I’m in Ohio, USA. I just had a friend bring me a 1907 Pavone cuckoo clock to fix (I’m sort of the local fix-it guy). What can you tell us about this clock? I can send pictures…
The case is OK, but dirty from being left in a musty attic. The works are very dirty with signs of rodent life and bugs. A couple bearing holes are well worn.
I live near Amish country and I know a good clock repair man there. We wonder if it is worth fixing.
Thank you, Mike
M&H Restorations
Hi Mike, Cuckoo clocks are our business and even we bring them to a clock master sometimes. If the purpose is to restore it, I would bring it to your clock repair man first. As to whether it is worth it, we can’t really help on the antique value, but you might try contacting this guy: http://blackforestclocks.org/ or an antique dealer that specializes on clocks.
we purchased a clock from you at the Milwaukee German Fest in July of 2011. The clock we have has 2 AA batteries in it. we had to change the batteries today and now the pendant arm does not swing. Is there something I need to do to get this back working? any help would be great.
Hi Chris, we sent you an email. If you did not get it, please check your spam folder.
I’ve made my own clock and am putting a internal clock piece I bought online in now. What I need to know is, if they make varying lengths for the bird post, because my door is higher than normal. Or is this something I am going to have to create my self? Also, how do I tell if this is a two or three weight mechanism? I only ask, because I need to order weights and I’m not sure which ones to get.
If you need photos of anything let me know I’ll be happy to provide.
Thanks for having a page like this.
Hi Michael, You may have to make your own, based on how high the door actually is. You are probably going to be locked in to whichever size comes with the mechanism you are purchasing. If it is a music cuckoo clock, there should be “wheels” for 3 chains. You also need to know if you have a 1-day or 8-day cuckoo clock for the size (weight) of the weights to get. You can post photos anytime on our cuckoo Facebook wall:
http://www.facebook.com/blackforestcuckooclock
Thank You for the help. I just inserted an inch and a half piece in and brazed it in, seems like it’s going to do it. Just have to adjust the angle of the pin to perch.
No music. two wheels. one day, time piece. 275 gram?
You should check with the specs for the piece you are installing, but yes – that is the size range for a 1-day cuckoo clock.
Of course I have an old Cuckoo Clock from around the 50s, the sad thing is, one ear ant both antlers broke off during a move. I retrieved one antler and one ear is still intact with the head, is there anyway I can get the deer repaired and parts recarved to match? In other words restored?
Hi LL, If you know the original cuckoo clock manufacturer, you may be able to get replacement parts that match exactly. Other than that, you would need to seek out a local craftsman to have them custom made for you.
I have a 2001 Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Model #910-023. It was purchased when my parents visited Germany on May 20th of that year. The clock has never been out of the original box and has remained sealed until I opened it up to take pictures of it to hopefully find out the value of this mint condition cuckoo clock. Would you have any idea what the value of this clock might be?
Hello Michael – It would be worth somewhat less than the original retail price. I do not recognize that model number, but either way it would be subjective as to what the resale value would be now.
I would like to know the value of a clock i found in my closet.It was made in Germany about 40 years ago.It has Blua Donau Walzer.G`schichten Wienerwald printed on the side.It is a cuckoo clock with a deer head on top.It has other designs on sides.
Hi Ric, for something like that, you would need to contact an antique dealer, preferably someone who specializes in clocks for an appraisal. Only rare clocks usually have a collector’s value.
My mother in law used to live in Germany and bought the large deer grandgather cuckoo clock that also has the dancers…..in her move home somehow the pendelum got lost…..can one be carved again for it…..the numbers on the back of the movement is “72Pl4Q029″
Hi Sarah, you can buy a new pendulum that will work for the clock, it doesn’t have to be specially made. If you wanted the exact match for the original cuckoo clock, you would need to know the clock model and contact the manufacturer.
I have a 1930 hand carved German cukoo clock that was handed down to me. I am trying to find out more information about it as we’ll as value. Would you be able to help shed some light on my cukoo clock?
Hi Jayme – it could be difficult if you cannot locate a manufacturer mark. We would not be able to give you a value, you would need to talk to an antique dealer for vintage cuckoo clocks. If you post a picture on our Facebook wall, we will tell you whatever we can.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Forest-Cuckoo-Clocks/484667571559629
Hi I have recently obtained a Black Forest cuckoo clock in a house lot I bought. I have made sure the clock is level and plumb on the wall it runs to beat the band until I put the pendulum on then it goes for about twenty seconds then stops I’ve adjusted the leaf up and down all the way with no avail please help thanks.david
Hi David – when the pendulum swings, can you see any interference such as the leaf brushing up against the weights or maybe the metal piece that holds the pendulum scraping against the wall from where it drops down from inside the clock?
Do you fix cuckoo clocks? We have one that the music is not working. I think the bellows has a small hole in it.
thank you
Georgean
Hello Georgean – you can see a list of Cuckoo Clock repair facilities here:
http://www.germanclocksandgifts.com/index.php/about-cuckoo-clocks#answer9
i need a large picture of how the 72PQ goes together especially the pendulum , the instructions that come with it are to small for me to see and i don’t want to break the clock before i get to enjoy. someone sent me a video on my first message request and it was for the large clocks ….help me please just blown up a picture of the pendulum and how it hooks on the clock… sorry to be a bother but i don’t want to break it.
Hello Diana – you should be able to call the merchant you purchased the battery cuckoo clock from for assistance. As for the 72PQ, the instructions are in several languages and English is on one of the lines. All you need to do for that cuckoo clock is to put in the batteries, set the time and put the “hook” of the pendulum on the very bottom rung of the black plastic piece that hangs from the bottom of the clock. Hope this helps!
I have a question regarding the traditional style cuckoo clocks. I’ve noticed there’s those with a bird at the peak of the roof and those with a deer head. Do each of them have their own name to distinguish them one from the other? My mother got her mother a cuckoo clock about 40+ years ago and I’ve found it in pictures that’ve been packed away, but only the chains and weights are showing. And I remember seeing it in person, which is the first time I ever saw a cuckoo clock. Anyway, it’s since gone so am trying to find an exact or near perfect copy of it. The one problem I’m having is that my mother seems to think it had a deer head and a gun on either side of the clock face, standing upright. Are/were there any like that ever made of are there only ones made with the guns crossing at the top? Any help appreciated.
Hi J.D. – The good news is that there are almost limitless variations of these Black Forest cuckoo clocks. That is also the bad news. The traditional are sometimes broken down between a station house style and a hunter style. It sounds like you had a hunter style cuckoo clock. Sometimes those depict hunting with dead animals and guns and others more reflect nature with depictions of live animals, leaves, trees etc. There are no specific names commonly used to distinguish between the animal types. I’m guessing the kind you described was made and is still made in some variation. By looking at the weights, you can determine if the clock played music and if it was a 1-day or 8-day cuckoo clock. Here is a link to our online store where you can see some of the traditional ones we carry. Maybe one will spark your memory.
http://www.germanclocksandgifts.com/cuckoo-clocks/traditional-black-forest-cuckoo-clocks.html?limit=all
I have a cuckoo clock made sometime around the 1950s. It was given to my wife’s parents by her uncle for a wedding present (year 1952). He was in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany at the time. How can I identify it? I can not find any identifying marks. It has a music box made by Thorens. A man (sitting) on the left and a cuckoo on the right are the two figures behind the doors. I can send pictures.
Thanks
Terry
Hi Terry – please post the picture on our Facebook page if possible:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Forest-Cuckoo-Clocks/484667571559629?ref=hl
If there are no identifying marks at all, it may be almost impossible though.