Sikorski's Attic: Family cuckoo clock makes nice, decorative wall piece

John Sikorski

Sikorski's Attic

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Cuckoo clocks were produced in massive quantities in Germany and other European countries. They came in a variety of sizes; this one appears to be 24 to 26 inches high by 16 inches wide, which is not larger than most, more in the average range.

Dear John: See the attached photos of our cuckoo clock. It is the only one like it I have ever seen. It is larger than most and the bas relief appears to be solid walnut. The foot ruler in the second photo provides an indication of size.

John Sikorski

Sikorski's Attic

The clock has been in the family since the early 1920s, having been purchased in New York City by my maternal grandfather. We used it for many years, but it was cranky, and my father repaired it frequently, always with inadequate tools and materials.

Originally, it had bellows made of soft sheepskin, and these were unsuccessfully repaired with brown paper. And a spiral steel gong broke off and has been lost.

Sometime in the 1980s my mother had it repaired professionally, but I was never impressed with the quality or thoroughness of the restoration.

What can you tell us about the clock? Should we put it in a vault for safe-keeping, have it restored delicately, or let it deteriorate in peace? We have considered having it restored but need to know more before we decide how to proceed.

We found Rosewood Regulators Clock Repair in Trenton and wonder if that would be a good choice. He seems to specialize in precision clockworks, and the relatively primitive clockwork in this one is far from its most notable features. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide. - R.H., Internet

Dear R.H.: Cuckoo clocks were produced in massive quantities in Germany and other European countries. They came in a variety of sizes; the one you have appears to be 24 to 26 inches high by 16 inches wide, which is not larger than most, more in the average range.

The beautiful foliate and animal carvings were carved separately and then applied to the clock case, not bas relief carved. Recently, it became known that the high-quality carvings that are often referred to as German Black Forest carving were produced in Switzerland and sold to German cuckoo clock makers. The carvings on the clock all appear to be in good condition.

The clock has two pinecone style weights the one on the left is for the cuckoo and the one on the right is for the time. If the cuckoo is not working and you do not wind up the weight, you can just wind up the one on the right and the clock will keep time and not cuckoo.

To find someone who can repair the clock you might try the NAWCC, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. There are club chapters here in Florida. The website is www.nawcc.org.

Market values on cuckoo clocks are low. If your clock was in good running condition it would sell below $200. It is a nice decorative wall piece. As you suggest let it deteriorate in peace.

John Sikorski has been a professional in the antiques business for more than 30 years. Send questions to Sikorski's Attic, P.O. Box 2513, Ocala, FL 34478 or [email protected].

John Sikorski

Sikorski's Attic

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