Cuckoo clear top and face conversion (Part 1)
- Michael Carew
- Jun 12
- 1 min read
I received this cuckoo today, first time I've seen a movement and mechanism set up like this.
Does anyone know the make?
It's a single pair dancer with music box 1-day movement.
My plan is to restore the movement, music box, etc.
I'll create a clear roof and front face to showcase the mechanics of this unusual piece. It seems to be mid-1900s, the clear front will allow for a larger dial.
I'll carve a set of buffalo bone hands and numerals,
Recover the bellows. I may replace the bellows as someone has previously recovered them with thick leather that is impeding the bellows from lifting and settling.
Replace the 3 chains
Create a plexi-glass roof (Yes may look a little weird)
Create a plexi-glass face
Carve hands and numerals
Strip and oil remaining panels on the case
and what ever else pops up
I'll post the progression as I complete each stage for anyone who is interested in converting old cuckoo clocks ready for the scrap bin into a more modern minimalistic timepiece.
Thanks to a Facebook member I found a bit more information on the movement
British Museum
Also known as Baduf
primary name: primary name: Baduf other name: other name: Baden Clock Factory other name:
other name: Badische Uhrenfabrik AG
Details organisation; clockmaker/watchmaker; German
Other dates1889-1932 (active)
Address Furtwangen, Germany
Biography German clock manufacturers based in Furtwangen. Founded in 1889.
Around 1929 Carl Schatz became a shareholder in BADUF, which had recently become insolvent. Together with an English consortium he bought all the stock and machinery for £12000 and it was moved to Edmonton, London for use by the Enfield Clock Company (q.v.). Many of the German employess of BADUF came over to England to work in the new factory and…