Venter-Glocken

The Melody of Tradition: Venter-Glocken GmbH

Nestled amidst the picturesque Thuringian Forest, is a small holiday resort of Kleinschmalkalden near the Rennsteig, often referred to as the “Green Heart of Germany”. Here, the rare craft of bell making has been practiced here for over 200 years. On the rainy mountain slopes of the Thuringian Forest with its lush mountain meadows, there has been a lively pastoral operation operating for centuries, somewhat hidden in the romantic Ebersbach Valley. That is the operation of Venter-Glocken GmbH.

The story of Venter-Glocken GmbH begins with Friedrich Venter, who established the company in 1874 to cater to the growing demand for cowbells in the region. Today, Venter-Glocken GmbH products have been providing high quality bells for 150 years, and counting, and continues to  be a family-run business, co-managed since 2005 by Bärbel Hartig and David Venter, who represent the fifth generation of bell-makers. Over 5 generations, the family has nurtured this tradition, passing down the skills and knowledge required to create bells of exceptional quality.

Venter-Glocken GmbH offers a diverse range of bells, each with its own unique character and sound. Traditional cowbells with their deep, resonant tones, are still a popular choice for farmers and herders. Decorative music bells, adorned with intricate patterns and designs add a touch of elegance to any space. Sports bells, designed to withstand the rigors of competition, are used in various sports, from soccer, to hockey and horse riding. Additional products produced by Venter-Glocken GmbH include souvenir bells, gongs, doorbells and room decorations. 

The Art of Bell-Making

Crafting a Venter-Glocken GmbH bell is a meticulous process that involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology. Skilled artisans begin by selecting the finest materials, including copper, bronze, and brass. The metal is then shaped and molded into the desired form, often using ancient techniques passed down through generations. Each bell is carefully finished, polished, and inspected to ensure that it meets the high standards set by the company. Sophisticated technologies guarantee the outstanding optical and acoustic quality of all Venter-Glocken GmbH products. 

In the current range, all bells produced by Venter-Glocken GmbH are made in different shapes and sizes, largely from 1 cm to 30 cm in height. Different surface finishes such as brass plating, copper plating, fire brass plating or powder coating give the bells their very own unique characteristic.

Worldwide Distribution

Venter-Glocken GmbH has earned a reputation for excellence, recognised worldwide for their high quality products. They have exhibited at international trade fairs in New York, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, Stockholm, Paris, Birmingham, Singapore, Tokyo, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Salzburg, and export their products worldwide. The company's dedication to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has allowed them to establish a strong presence in worldwide markets. 

Cultivating An Ongoing Relationship

Clock Shop boasts a deep-rooted and long lasting relationship with Venter-Glocken GmbH, proudly showcasing over 50 crafted Venter-Glocken GmbH products on our website. This partnership spans generations, as evidenced by the recent visit to Germany by Daniel Hoffman, current owner of Clock Shop, alongside his father, Phil Hoffman, the previous owner. This visit outlines Clock Shops commitment to maintaining a strong bond with Venter-Glocken GmbH, ensuring a seamless transition as Clock Shop continues the family legacy. This visit took Dan & Phil on a guided tour of the company, where they were able to witness the skilled artisans of Venter-Glocken GmbH at work, whilst also learning about the history of bell-making. View more of this trip in the video below: 

Take A Closer Look At The Venter-Glocken GmbH Factory

The Largest Cowbell In The World

In 2003, Venter-Glocken GmbH made it into the Guinness Book of Records for producing the largest steel cowbell in the world. This cowbell was ceremoniously inaugurated on August 8, 2003, as part of Kleinschmalkalden's 625th anniversary celebrations, after almost a year of construction. The cowbell stands not far from the Venter-Glocken GmbH company building, directly on the main street in Kleinschmalkalden. The bell stands 3.28m in height, and weighs an impressive 920 kilograms!

Steeped In Traditions

Venter-Glocken GmbH is a family-owned business steeped in tradition. The bells they offer provide a piece of history with every chime, whilst their dedication to craftsmanship and quality ensures that each bell is a unique piece. By choosing Clock Shop to purchase your next cowbell, you're not only investing in a beautiful and functional product but also supporting a legacy of excellence in German bell-making.