Help Identifying & Valuing My German Cuckoo Clock

Hi everyone,
I recently came across this German cuckoo clock in storage — it’s beautifully carved, still has the original packaging and multilingual directions, and features a Fritz Wetzel stamp. The mechanical movement is visible and seems intact.

I'm currently working to raise funds for my brother’s medical needs and recovery, and I'm also investing in projects to build some financial stability for myself. So, I’m hoping to get some help identifying the age, maker, and current value of this piece. Any advice on resale or appraisal would mean a lot.

Photos include the front, movement, and paperwork. Let me know if you need more details — thank you so much for your time and knowledge!

Warmly,
Jordyn

 

Are U a NEW MEMBER, just found this site,LOOK HERE 1st ....

lets see the back and the box.....

We don't do values , but we can direct you as to where to look for them..

 

Googling Fritz Wetzel doesn't come with any clock maker or clock at all. The makers name would be stamped into the metal on the inside of the back.
Mikey

 

Please post photographs of the packaging, directions and stamp.

Debora

 

I've now uploaded the images including shots of the back, box, mechanical movement, and paperwork. If there's anything else you’d like me to share for better identification or direction, I’m happy to provide it!

Warmly,
Jordyn

 

what's the date on the postage stamp ?

 

The name of the maker is in the first pic. Partially covered. ??lla.

Mikey

 

Looks like a little souvenir the Master Sergeant had shipped home. He was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany near the Black Forest, which is known for its cuckoo clocks. Modern as 1963 or later from the postal code. The stamp tells you it was a product of Fritz Wertzl's "Cuckoo Clock Manufacturing". Here's the address in Triberg. Probably marketed by Steinbach as part of its "German Folk Art Workshops" line. You can review Completed listings on eBay for "Black Forest Cuckoo Clock" to see what clocks of a similar design and age sell for.

Debora

 

Wow, super helpful @Debora !

 

I really need to get a life, right?

Debora

 

There was one sold that looks similar but not quite the same, on Worthpoint. Sounds like it may have been repaired but not a lot of info.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/natural-wood-hand-carved-vintage-520975683

"Hand-carved by Fritz Wetzel, Black Forest, Triberg. Natural pear wood, not stained. Purchased in 1961. Height 14" from top bird to bottom leaf. One day wind. Repaired and checked in 2008. Needs a caring and loving home."

 

Debora's born for it-one of our Masters (Mistresses sounds...?).

 

[blush emoji]

Debora

 

My husband-at-the-time brought home a hunt-themed cuckoo clock (with stag head and crossed guns) when he was visiting Germany and the Black Forest in the early 2000s.
My son just took it to a local clock repair for work and they told him it was worth $400-500 but I have a hard time believing we'd find anyone to pay that kind of money. I think that's more likely an insurance value.
Value usually depends on what the design is, how intricate the design is, and how well it is carved. What sort of "cuckoo" is behind the door makes a difference, too. It can be something simple like a vaguely bird-shaped chip of wood behind a single door, or something more intricate like little painted people that rotate through two doors, etc. Your clock looks pretty basic, both in design and carving quality, and you don't show the "cuckoo".
And age matters, too. The older, the better, usually.
A quick eBay search of SOLD listings of clocks comparable to yours seems to indicate a top price of around $225 US, though that does seem to be for clocks older than yours.
I know nothing about the desirability concerning the inner workings. That may come in to play as well.

 

Instinctively I totally agreed w/ bluumz, but I just looked at 'Sold' Cuckoos on Ebay and the first page results ranged from $1800-$225 ! You could've knocked me over w/ a stick-thought they were a mid-century dinosaur (and not a good one).
Trying to guess what currently's hot and not is beyond my talents.

 

The collector market is most likely driven by age and intricacy of carving. This movement, by way, appears to be by Regula.

Debora