Time for Moncton's exclusive double spring maintenance - Evaluating preliminary movement before service commencement (Part 1)
The Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock is a significant piece of Canadian horology, produced by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company during its operation from 1904 to 1941 in Kitchener, Ontario. This company was one of the few Canadian clock manufacturers of its era, making its clocks highly collectible and emblematic of Canadian craftsmanship in horology.
The Moncton model, named after the City of Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada, is especially valued for its rarity and connection to Canadian heritage. This clock often surfaces as a rare find in antique stores or private collections, underscoring its collectible status and cultural importance.
The Moncton clock boasts traditional mechanical movements, typically an eight-day mechanism, and distinctive design elements reflecting early 20th century Canadian style. Its features include a 12-inch Arabic dial with simple, bold numbers, pierced spade hands, and a fumed quarter-sawn oak case. The pendulum bob is brass over iron with an oak pendulum rod, and the pendulum access door is 14 1⁄2 inches high by 10 3⁄4 inches wide and swings to the right.
Despite its age, the Moncton clock is in exceptional condition, having shown little wear, an indication that the clock has had a good life. Even in its unserviced state, the clock would easily run 16 or 17 days. The verge arbours may need bushing work, but the lantern pinions are in very good condition, and the movement looks solid with solid plates and a mounting system similar to the Seth Thomas #2.
The Moncton clock, known for its accuracy, was often found in offices and train stations across Canada. Its solid construction, robust movements, conservative designs, and nationalist appeal make it a cherished piece among collectors. The dial glass is original and has the "waviness" you would expect with old glass, adding to its historic charm.
The Moncton clock was purchased from an antique store in Ontario, Canada, in 2018, and it is now part of a collector's personal collection. This collector, who has amassed a modest collection of eight such clocks, appreciates the Moncton clock for its rarity and connection to Canadian history. The Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Canadian clockmakers in the early 20th century, and it continues to be a sought-after piece among collectors of Canadian-made clocks.
[1] Canadian Horology: A History of Clocks and Watches in Canada, by Richard R. Hornung and David A. Thomson (University of Toronto Press, 2011)
- Vintage clocks like the Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock, a significant piece in Canadian horology, are often cherished by collectors of home-and-garden gadgets, especially those interested in technology and Canadian history.
- The collectible status of vintage clocks, such as the rare Moncton model from the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, can be traced to their rarity, distinctive design, and cultural significance, which make them valuable additions to a lifestyle focused on preserving history.
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