Collecting Antique German Cuckoo Clocks
Yes, antique cuckoo clocks can indeed be pricey. In fact, they can be more expensive than contemporary clocks. But they are very rewarding to have because of their designs and styles that just set them apart from your usual cuckoo clock. Its wooden art designs carved by hand is more than reason enough to consider starting your own collection.
German cuckoo clocks have a long history to them as well, having been manufactured for nearly three centuries already. The fact that they were produced in the cold mountain villages of Germany also contributes to this rich history. Back in the days, villagers spent the winter months away from mining the mountains or plowing their fields because winter can be very harsh in the German mountains.
With all that time in their hands, they kept busy perfecting the craft of making cuckoo clocks. This became the focus of the people who lived in the Black Forest region during winter. As time passed by, the declining demand for farm products and the depletion of mining resources soon led to the people of this region having more and more free time. This gave them all the more opportunities to produce just about the best cuckoo clocks the world has ever seen.
German clocks are also as unique as any cuckoo clock can be. The whimsical sights, the endearing sounds, and the exceptional movements, these are just some of the factors that make the hobby of collecting them very well worth it. The rich culture of Germany is also incorporated in the designs of these clocks.
Aside from the usual cuckoo chirping at each hour, some clocks have dancing women or gun toting hunters decorating them. There are also clocks that release wood-choppers with axes, chopping wood as the clock chimes at the top of the hour. With each design, you are actually shown a part of the vibrant culture and history of Germany. A unique story is told every time these clocks come to life.
The more elaborate designs of these clocks include the chalet styles. Usually, the cuckoo clocks are designed in the shape of a Black Forest chalet. These clocks would have more animated figurines and various focal points as the top of the hour strikes down. Collecting Black Forest cuckoo clocks would not be complete without these chalet types.
You can find these and other types of wonderful antique clocks at Vintage Clock Auctions.