Is it “Cuckoo Clock” or “coo coo clock”, or “cucu”? Let’s find out!

by Cuckoo Forest | Jan 29, 2018 | Blog

The Cuckoo Clock Can Often have People Stumped

One of the most common questions about cuckoo clocks, is just how do you spell ‘cuckoo’. It’s understandable, especially to non-native German speakers. The sound that bird makes seems like it would be spelled “coo-coo” to most English speakers. Or even “ku ku” to German speakers.

It can appear all sorts of ways online:

• koo koo
• coco
• cucoo
• kuko
• cockoo
• cocu
• co co
• cucu

The English spelling is a cuckoo clock, although may opt for the more phonetic version of coo-coo clocks. This is due to the fact that the musical cuckoo call is nearly a major third musical interval. So, when English speakers form the sound coo coo the first sound of the “cukoo” is a higher pitched and shorter than the second sound.

The German spelling (and one could argue, the correct spelling because these clocks originate from Germany) is a bit different. “The correct German spelling is Kuckucksuhr. This shows pretty clearly why some people spell it kuku or kuko.”

Interesting note, in an actual cuckoo clock, the sounds are made with each their own bellow and emit from the back of the clock. 

Now, there is also a traditional Persian egg dish called kuku, and the French have an entirely different way to spell the cuckoo clock—all adding to the spelling confusion. The correct French spelling of cuckoo clock is coucou. Some of you who are a bit familiar with French may realize that is also the French word for “hello.” It is also their version of the game peek-a-boo. That is no coincidence! The term coucou was taken from the German cuckoo clocks!

No matter how you spell it, cuckoo clocks are known across the world as the signature call of the German Black Forest.

So, my question is: how do you spell ‘cuckoo clock’? Leave your comment below. We’d love to see! 🙂

Trouble Shooting Your Cuckoo Clock

by Cuckoo Forest | Jan 25, 2018 | Blog

Trouble Shooting Your Cuckoo Clock
Know What to Try and When to Seek Professional Help for Your Cuckoo Clock

There is a lot of adventure and emotion tied to your first, authentic cuckoo clock. “Part of the fun for clock owners around the world is learning the ends and out of their artful and intricate timepieces.” Once you’ve unpacked and hung up your clock — the fun begins!

Now, the vast majority of the time your cuckoo clock will run, like well—clock work. BUT this is a family heirloom meant to be handed down for generations, so what happens if the clock stops working? Don’t worry—there are plenty of options!

Timing Issues

• One of the most common reasons owners have issues cuckoo clocks is that the mechanical movement of the clock is not level. This can throw the timing off. The most common cause of this issue is that the clock is not hung level on the wall. So, check the clock position.
• If the clock is leveled, but the timing is still off it’s time to take a look “under the hood” so to speak. The pendulum wire may be bent. If this is the case try using a screwdriver to bend the pendulum wire slightly.
• Also, check to see if the cuckoo clock hands are touching and causing friction. This is also a common occurrence. Just make sure they are in the proper position.

Cuckoo Call

If the cuckoo bird silent, you cuckoo clock is in need of a little TLC.

• If your clock has just been unpacked, be sure the paper around cuckoo clock parts has been removed. Also, be sure want to be sure that the wire latch on the cuckoo door is moved.

• You may want to check to see that the lift wire is actually in place. This wire lifts the cuckoo bird and can sometimes be bent in shipping. Also, check to make sure that the wires that lift the bellows have not been fastened together for shipping.

• And, finally, make sure that the cuckoo clock shut off switch is in the off position.

Professional Help

“These few issues are the most common when attempting a DIY repair on your cuckoo clock and usually do the trick.”

The important thing to remember is that cuckoo clocks are known for their intricate inner workings. Much like our counterparts in the watch community, there are professionals who dedicate their entire lives to making these beauties run. Our friends at Watches International do just that—if you have a smaller clock that needs attention. Watch repair may seem a bit more common BUT for the larger, cuckoo clocks, there are professionals who do the same.

Just be sure to ask about their certification and shipping procedures before sending off your priceless heirloom. There are a Certified Black Forest cuckoo clock repair shops in the United States who are extremely qualified to handle you cuckoo clock related issues.

A Brief History of the Cuckoo Clock

by Cuckoo Forest | Jan 3, 2018 | Blog

Quick Guide Through the Interesting Background of the Intricate Timepieces Cuckoo Clocks has a history almost as colorful as the clocks themselves.  The tradition of the clocks goes back hundreds of years and is steeped in German charm, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Overview

Cuckoo Clocks originated, and are still produced, in the Black Forest Region of Germany. The mythical forest that spawned countless fairytales also gave rise to the famed clocks. The earliest known coo coo clock dates to 1619 but there is evidence to suggest the tradition may be older.

The iconic cuckoo call started appearing in clocks around this time and probably appeared in other mechanical products as well. But by the 1670’s that call was firmly associated with cuckoo clocks.
During the early rise of the clocks there were three famed makers:

• Franz Anton Ketterer
• Michael Dilger,
• Matthäus Hummel

It is widely believed these makers are responsible for the cuckoo’s clocks success during the early 1700’s.  But the clocks that lined the walls of these maker’s shops were not the ones we picture today.  They were varied and no signature “style” had yet emerged.

The cuckoo clock we picture today rose to fame in the 1800’s thanks to the success of the Bahnhäusle clock.  This clock style showcases a house, just like the Chalet style clocks today.

However, early models featured a railway signalman’s house.

After this style rose in popularity, clocks with houses, carvings, and woodland scenes became the signature style of the kookoo.

Clock Production

Cuckoo clocks have always been handmade and hand carved by highly trained clockmakers.

Today, that is still the case.

Modern cuckoo clock makers are just as dedicated to their craft as the first makers from centuries ago.

Still today,

…cuckoo clocks produced in the Black Forest must meet the highest of quality standards.

Here are a few interesting facts about the way these intricate clocks are put together:

• Teamwork:
  The clocks are handmade, but not by just one set of hands. Typically, an entire team works together to create the artful timepieces. Each person has their own set of skills.When the final clock is assembled all the details and mechanical parts must work in unison.

• Years in the Making:
  This is an interesting tidbit that most people don’t know. The wood that will eventually create the carvings for a cuckoo clock is actually selected years before the clock is made. That’s because Linden wood, the wood that is typically carved for cuckoos, must be cut and dry for years before it can be carved.Only the best cuts of wood that are perfectly dried will be selected for carvings. The carvings usually decorate the front part of the clock and the roof. Any figures that appear on the cuckoo clock are hand carved and painted, as well.
• The Mechanics:
  The last step of the process is creating the mechanical movements of the clock. Black Forest clockmakers build the mechanics right into to the clock. Things like clock hands, cuckoo bird, and any moving figurines all make of the mechanical components.

Modern Cuckoo Clocks

When most people picture the cuckoo clock of today they usually think of the carvings and the cuckoo call.  Here are a few other things you should realize about the modern cuckoo clock:

• All Mechanical: Even today the inner workings of the Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks are controlled by weights and chains.  From the bellows of the cuckoo call to the actual timed movement of the hands—no electricity is required.
• Quartz, battery operated clocks are available but are not considered authentic or traditional. However, they are a bit more affordable and still charming for any room of the house.
• Types: There are many types to choose from, Chalet and Carved are the most traditional “looking” but clocks, but cuckoo clocks can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.  There has been a modern revolution of sorts and the handmade clocks can now take many shapes!  The more traditional designs still include woodland scenes, dancers, lumberjacks, revelers drinking beer, water mills turning, and styles of German music.

There is a cuckoo clock out there that will fit the taste and style of any home. Just make sure the quality is high and the traditions of the clockmakers are intact.

Linden Wood is a great material for carving cuckoo clocks

Linden wood is very popular among the German carving atmosphere. With Germany being popularly known as the cuckoo clock carvers of the world it is important that a person is informed about the history and background of the wood that cuckoo clocks are carved out of.

Lindenwood trees are also known as basswood. They are members of the Tilia Genus and are native to the eastern two-thirds of North America.  Found throughout California due to its perfect climate. This species of tree is the most common species in California nurseries.

However, even though some trees are grown in California, there is a European Linden wood tree. This tree was known as being Great Britain’s tallest broad-leafed tree. They added a fashion to the gardens of those who were upper class during the 17/18th centuries. These trees were imported from the Netherlands during this period.  Despite being imported from the Netherlands; the name Linden comes from the word line in German which means rope. This is the trees name due to the inner bark which was used to make mats and ropes.

Lindenwood trees are known as a medium-sized shade tree. Average height is around 50 feet, but they can grow to double their average size. When the tree is younger it will have a pyramid shape but when they start to develop a more rounded crown and straight trunk.

Many people use linden wood to make furniture who like straight grain.

Some people as well use it for medical uses. The oils from the tree are used to help stomach problems and anxiety.

Many people in Germany use this wood specifically for their known trademark of German Cuckoo Clocks.

Many German Cuckoo Clocks are made from the wood of the linden tree because of how soft the wood is.

Little do many people know that the linden wood is purchased two years ahead of time, so it has time to age and become the beautiful color that the woodworker wants to use on a clock.

Other woods may be used to accent the linden wood such as walnut and pine. These woods are used to add detail to the linden wood. To make the rest of cuckoo clock pop.

Many times,

…the linden wood would be the main wood but sometimes depending on the woodworker they may choose to use walnut and pine as the whole entire clock.

For those woodworkers that use pine or walnut for the whole entire clock may be making cheaper clocks whereas the linden wood is softer and more beautiful that will last longer as well. Linden wood clocks are the most common type of clocks distributed from Germany.

Linden wood is used in these clocks due to its beauty and how well it ages. With the sound coming from wood as well the Linden wood carries and makes a beautiful sound.

The grain of this wood is straight which makes a clock beautiful. Not only is the grain straight it is a beautiful light color which holds stain and paints very well so that a cuckoo clock can be original.

This wood is also very easy to clean which makes it a plus knowing that when one cleans their clock it will not be a problem or hassle.

Linden wood, maple, and pine are the most common used woods when a cuckoo clock is made. All these woods are a softer wood which makes the woodworking process much easier. Each wood is carefully chosen depending on the clock’s design.

Some wood is better for certain designs compared to others. Most clocks, however, have a base of linden wood that is accented by the other types of woods.

The Inside Scoop of German Smokers

by Cuckoo Forest | Dec 12, 2017 | Blog

German smokers are full of history but are still used today and will be used for generations. They are used today due to their design and their history.

The use of incense has been used by numerous amounts of people throughout the world for thousands of years. Incense was many times considered a treasured gift by the people of the Middle-East, Africa, India, and Europe.

Many people used the incense for religious get-togethers and ceremonies. It was used to cleanse the air of evil spirits.

The story is told that after a long journey to find baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men gave their three most valuable and precious gifts to him, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Today these gifts are still celebrated in Germany during a festival.

The Festivity of The Three Wise Men is where these gifts are traditionally used.

While in many places Christmas lasts only a day, Germany celebrates for twelve days. From the 26th of December to the 6th of January. Each day of this twelve days has a special meaning and on the last day the celebration of the gifts of the Three Wise Men.

Many people use German smokers on this day to mark the end of the Christmas season.

Even though incense has been around for an extended period, the German Smokers (Rauchermen) first came into existence in the late 1600’s.

The first area where these smokers were used was the Miriquidi Forest area. This area is in the southeast region of Germany. Locals designed tiny figurines made from a single piece of wood that was taken from the forest. German smokers are a main source of income still today,

…however, this was not always the case.

Since the 1100’s Miriquidi Forest has been a rich mining area. During this time the main export was silver. Then after the silver rush tin mining because popular.

While this was all going on population skyrocketed.

Then the Swedish invaded the area which evoked a war that lasted thirty years. This killed the region and drove out many people who were once very successful.

However,

..during this time the tradition of German Smokers and other handmade wooden items such as German nutcrackers became a huge source of income due to the mining scarce.

During this time people had to look for another source of income and many people moved to the city because the mines were no longer in use and people needed jobs.

This was when skilled woodworkers began to make beautiful works of art and the German smoker was made. During this time their products were shipped around the world making them well known.

During the period of WWII,

…mines were producing uranium but the woodworking business took off.

It was the main source of income for people in the German region. German Smokers became in high demand. They have highly sought after along with other word working goods.

During the war,

…this was not a problem for people located in the mountains due to the remoteness. During this time a few types of names rose to the top with their German smokers:-

• Glasser
• Mueller
• Steinbach (declared bankruptcy)
• Dergano

These names are highly associated with German Smokers.

Even though the traditional German Smoker has changed over the various years the tradition keeps on going. The original German Smokers were one piece but now they are more than one piece. There are very subtle changes to the original smoker and the new smoker.

Tradition with these items is kept throughout the years.

German smokers are among the highest demand woodworking art on the market today.

Today’s wooden smokers have a very close resemblance to the traditional Nutcracker;

however,

…smokers are designed to burn incense. This makes them much different than the traditional nutcracker which is used for decorative purposes.

The Erzgebirge smoker men are among one of the oldest crafts from the region.

It is believed that the first incense smoker was made of dough and paper Mache. During the late 19th century however wood became the main material for these smokers. Woodturning to make these smokers is popular today.

The smoker consists of two hollowed out body parts and an incense cone will be placed on the lower body part then lit. This will make the body glow and smoke will then come out of the mouth.

The size of these smokers is from four to twenty inches.

However,

…there are some smokers more than forty inches tall.

There is more than one specific design for German Smokers. There are several designs to be exact. Bakers, firemen, doctors, and Santa Clause are the most popular smoker designs.

Today there are many different types of incense. There are numerous amounts of different aromas that are used today. The main types of incense are lavender, rosemary, and many other types of scents.

These scents are not only used for their aroma but for their health benefits. These scents will make the house smell good and help with stress and other issues one may be having. The purpose of incents is to relax a person and make them feel good.

Even though the German Smoker is the most popular item in woodworking today, there are many other woodworking items that are frequently bought.

The German Nutcracker is a popular item on the list. It is used primarily as a decoration during the Christmas holiday season. These figures can come in traditional style all the way to a zookeeper and everything in-between.

Another popular item is wooden Christmas angels. These are a beautiful authentic German Christmas set that will make the whole family fall in love. Along with angels you can buy candle arches for your candle set.

While many people still enjoy the traditional Nutcracker and the traditional German Smoker there are many other woodworking art pieces that are sought after as well. This woodworking business is a huge part of Germany’s economy.