My Cuckoo Story

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When my grandfather entered retirement, he kept himself busy with art and also by repairing and refinishing beautiful clocks. He was very mechanically gifted and could even build new gears if a gear was missing from a clock. And with his artistic talent, he would paint beautiful images onto the faces of the clocks if need be.

He really enjoyed this new hobby so he would refurbish clocks to give as gifts. I have two cuckoo clocks that my grandfather gave me. They are each unique and have their own look to them. Both are well made and beautifully restored.

History of the Cuckoo Clock

In the years before 1630, time was kept with a sundial and an hourglass until the cuckoo clock was invented in Germany. The development of the cuckoo clock was believed to have occurred in southwestern Germany, in an area called the Black Forest. This was a huge improvement in keeping time.

Quite simply, a cuckoo clock is a clock with a bird that comes out every hour and sometimes on the half hour too, to call out the time. Why a cuckoo bird you might wonder? Originally a rooster was placed in the clock but the call sounded like the cuckoos of Black Forest so they made adjustments.

The cuckoo clock symbolizes the past, present and future. The first Black Forest clocks preceding the cuckoo clocks were rather primitive, using wooden toothed wheels and simple stones as weights.

As time went on, the clock technology developed. The modern cuckoo clock is pendulum-regulated and strikes at the hour by releasing a small toy cuckoo bird that makes an audible sound. The clock operates when a series of internal and external parts work together to eject the cuckoo. An elaborate system of brass gears inside the clock work together to operate the cuckoo function and hands, while the speed is regulated by chains and cast-iron weights.

My Cuckoo Story

I received one of my cuckoo clocks from my grandfather, the Christmas after he passed away. That might sound odd, but he had made one for me and one for my sister that he was planning to give us that Christmas. My grandmother knew that and had them wrapped for each of us. It was the most touching and emotional gift I ever received.

I cherish my beautiful cuckoo clock which has stunning carvings and sings beautiful songs along with a cuckoo who chimes out the hours. That clock hangs in my house today. Here it is…

On this clock, my grandfather made a new gear, carved a new pendulum, gave it a tune-up and repainted the clock. It is fully restored and plays music so beautifully. I love having the clock in my home as it is a loving reminder of my grandfather. And also of his talents and what we can accomplish when we put our mind to something.

Shopping for a Cuckoo Clock

If you want a cuckoo clock of your own, check out CuckooClocks.com for the best selection of both traditional styles and modern cuckoo clocks. If your home decor doesn't have a traditional or rustic feel, you can find minimalistic clocks for your lounge and colourful ones that go great in a child's bedroom. They have a wide variety of clocks and gifts available.

I like this company because they certify all their products are handcrafted in Germany and they carry a whole host of cool gift ideas like German nutcrackers, beer steins for your upcoming Oktoberfest at home celebration, and Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirge region. If you sign up for their email list, you can save 10% off your first purchase!

Do you have a cuckoo clock at home? If so let me know your cuckoo story in the comments!