Vintage Steinbach Germany Cuckoo Clock – Fritz Wetzel – Hand-Carved with Original Instructions
This is a vintage Black Forest-style cuckoo clock made by Steinbach in Germany and marked with the Fritz Wetzel workshop stamp from Triberg. The clock features intricate hand-carved leaf and bird details, a mechanical movement with visible gears, and a functioning cuckoo bird mechanism. It comes with the original multi-language instruction sheet and manufacturer’s label. The interior mechanism is stamped D.R.P. (Deutsches Reichspatent). It is in excellent vintage condition, shows no damage to the carvings, and all original elements appear intact. Clock was inherited and includes both front-facing and internal views, along with historical documentation.
17.5" H (with topper) × 10" W × 6" D
Inherited
Yes
Hi Jordyn,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Steinbach Volkskunst GmbH was primarily known for handcrafted nutcrackers, smokers, and music boxes from Hohenhameln (Lower Saxony) and later Marienberg in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). They were not a major or original Black Forest cuckoo clock manufacturer. Instead, when you see "Steinbach" on a Black Forest cuckoo clock, it typically refers to a retail or distributor collaboration, where Steinbach sold or branded clocks made by Black Forest artisans.
Fritz Wetzel was a German clockmaker or woodworker active during the mid-1900s, with clocks often marked “Fritz Wetzel Germany” or “Fritz Wetzel Made in West Germany.” It's probable that this clock was made by Wetzel and retailed by Steinbach.
Most Black Forest cuckoo clocks that sell at auction bring fair-market prices ranging from $200 to $400. Note that may be lower than what some dealers might be asking for their (retail) clocks.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Black Forest-style cuckoo clock
Made by Fritz Wetzel and retailed by Steinbach, mid 20th Century
Of house-form with applied carved oak leaves, surmounted by a bird, the white dial with Roman numeral chapter rings. Together with pine-cone form weights and original paperwork.
Overall height: 17-1/2 inches; width: 10 inches; depth: 6 inches
CONDITION: This clock appears to be in very good cosmetic condition; client warrants it to be in working condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 200-400*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
