Schatz 8 Day Cuckoo Clock
November 16, 2007 . by Bill
I just overhauled a Schatz 8 day cuckoo clock. The movement is model 50 (has a 50 in the circle on the back plate). The customer has the top piece, so I could not include in in the photo. The nicely made movement has some surprises!
- The movement plates are very classy with the design of a bird worked into them,
- Separate controls for door and bird - bird goes in and out with each cuckoo while the door stays open,
- The cuckoo and time train are on the opposite sides of the movement, compared to the majority of cuckoo movements,
- Very large teeth on the time first and second wheels.
The weights are 2 lb, 12 oz. and 2 lb, 14 oz.
My job no. 4492. This clock had probably seen years of use, as many of the pivots needed to have wear removed and be polished. I installed 14 bushings.
The circle on the back plate says:
JAHRESUHRENFABRIK
50
GERMANY
The rectangle says:
NO (0) JEWELS
UNADJUSTED
Jahresunherfabrik means “Year Clock Company”. This was the company’s name for many years, as they started out as a manufacturer of 400 day or “Anniversary” clocks. In the early 1950’s they became known as Aug. Schatz and Sohne.
The photo above was made before the movement cleaning, as the dirt in the engraving makes the lettering show up better!
About how old is this clock, and what value does it have? Schatz 8 day cuckoo clock
It was made in the 1950’s or early 1960’s.
Hello Bill
I read your blog with interest as I have come into possesion of a Schatz 8-day cuckoo clock which has apparently fallen off a wall and deemed irrepairable. The mechanism has come apart but on re-assembling it it was found that the gear betewen the drive and the hammer and bellow levers on the strike side was in fact missing. I was wondering if you would be able to assist with the dimensions of the gear wheel and the attached pinion dimension as we are having extreme difficulty in locating a suitable replacement. It would be extremely helpful if you were aware of how many teeth were on the gear and /or the pinion. The movement is stamped KU50 AUG-SCHATZ & SOHNE and measures 92 X 84.5 ml with a 32ml gap between the plates. If you are aware of anyone who may supply the required gear and pinion this would be extremely helpful. I reside in the UK. many thanks for your help Regards Malcolm Beavers
Unfortunately, I don’t have one of these in the shop to examine. You may be able to find a clock or movement for parts on eBay.
i have just inherited a schatz & sohne 8 day clock..could you give some details on the value or it..my mom received it round WWII..any help would be greatly appreciated….Taz
These clocks were made in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Values are too variable to give.
I have a similar cuckoo with that movement. Does the 50 represent the year 1950?
My clock is the typical cuckoo with two birds on the side - as opposed to a hunter’s cuckoo clock. The “Schatz 8-day” is written on the door of the cuckoo, instead of below it.
When did Schatz start making cuckoos - do you know?
The “50″ represents the year this movement was introduced, 1950. This is probably when Schatz started making cuckoo clocks.
I am ready to clean my Schatz cuckoo. Did you place the non-brass metals (black pieces and chain) in the same cleaning solution as your brass pieces? It is interesting that the weights are different weights. I will have to check mine.
I use the same cleaning solution for all metal parts except the chain. The movement must be taken apart for cleaning. The chain may not need cleaning, or you can clean it in a warm soap and water solution. I don’t recommend using an ammoniated solution for cleaning the chain, as it may end up looking non-uniform.
Both weights are the same.
I just purchased a cuckoo clock with a “JAHRESUHRENFABRIK” and “Germany” stamped in a circle around the number 50, but it doesn’t have a “Schatz” label on it. It has a two chain mechanism, elk head, hanging rabbit and pheasant, with a gun and bag under the face. It has the handwriiten number 9512 written in pencil (on the back cover and in the housing, and these numbers match) and the initials “JFJ” stampped into the back cover near the wound wire gong. Can anyone give me any information on year of manufacture, etc. of this clock?
Thanks,
Terry
Terry,
Does your movement look like the one above? If so, then you have a Schatz. Actually, from the information that you give, I would say that you have a Schatz - with an age mentioned above - after 1950.
Mike
I JUST came back from an old flea market where I bought this same clock for $10.00. It has been in someone’s garage for who knows how long. It appears to be in fine shape externally, but it is missing the weights and four of the numbers on the dial face came off, but were still with the clock. The insides look to be in good shape except for the two bellows which I believe are dry rotted and have holes in them.
My question is this… I have only worked on one other clock in my life, and seem to have a natural ability, as I have absolutely no training or background in clock repair. My mother was the same way… I have seen her completely take apart the insides of many clocks including several cuckoos, clean, repair and reassemble them. When I saw this clock today I knew I could get it back in working order but I want to research how to go about doing it the right way.
Can anyone give me some pointers as to where I would go to learn about what to use to clean the various parts of the inside of the clock and the proper way of doing it? What order do you go in when disassembling the inner working… etc. Where can I buy new weights and bellows…. basically anything you are willing to share with me as a result of your experience. I don’t want to take this to someone else, as I actually bought the clock with the idea of tackling this as a project or possible new hobby.
Thanks !
Chuck :- )