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Three older clocks, originally from Canada, have been successfully bid upon in an auction

Over the past year, my interest has centered on acquiring clocks either produced in Canada or bearing a Canadian link. With the exception of unique pieces, I allow myself some leeway. In line with my objective, I managed to secure three Canadian clocks at this week's auction: an Arthur...

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Three old-fashioned timepieces from Canada, secured via auction
Three old-fashioned timepieces from Canada, secured via auction

Three older clocks, originally from Canada, have been successfully bid upon in an auction

A year ago, I decided to dig deep into Canadian clocks, with a few exceptions for truly interesting finds. This week, I bagged three of them in an online auction - an Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton "Tall", another Arthur Pequegnat Dandy, and a 30-hour ogee crafted by the Canada Clock Company of Ontario. All are designed for shelves or mantles, with two spring-driven and one powered by weights.

The Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton "Tall" caught my eye during a visit at The Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River, Ontario last summer, though the one I took a picture of had a pie-crust dial, while the one I bought has a plain one. Both styles were available back then.

Dubbed a classic piece from Canada's acclaimed clockmakers, the Hamilton "Tall" boasts an upright design that sets it apart. Its wooden case often features quarter-sawn oak, half columns, and a striking crown, resulting in a simple yet elegant look. The clock uses a spring-driven movement with distinctive nickel-plated movement plates, striking on both the hour and half-hour.

Though the one I won might lack a label, it seems to be in good condition. It's one of the many iconic designs from the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, a pioneer in Canadian clock manufacturing that thrived until 1943. Owning a Hamilton "Tall" shelf clock feels almost like holding a piece of Canadian horological history.

Next up, the Arthur Pequegnat Dandy, a compact and attractive mantel clock with a solid wooden oak case and clean lines. It features a simple dial with black Arabic numerals, making it easy to read. The Dandy uses a spring-driven movement that strikes on the hour and half-hour and is known for its durability and precision. Although not as grand as some of the larger models, it's got a charm of its own, especially for collectors who appreciate smaller, more understated clocks.

The Dandy seems to be in average condition, which is reflected in the relatively low price I paid for it.

Moving on, the Canada Clock Company's 30-hour ogee clock is a significant mid-19th-century piece in the annals of Canadian clockmaking. The ogee clock, with its "S" curve molding, is a classic design that was popular in North America during that era. This particular model, featuring Roman numerals and a clear glass lower panel for the pendulum, has a 30-hour movement powered by weights. The clock strikes on the hour but also sports an alarm feature.

It appears there's an issue with the coil or rod gong, and the case has been refinished. The Canada Clock Company, active during the 1870s and early 1880s, aimed to rival American clockmakers and is valued by collectors for its historical importance.

All in all, each of these clocks adds a unique piece of Canadian horological history to my collection.

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The Canada Clock Company (Hamilton Clock Co.): A Brief History - To truly understand the impact and significance of Arthur Pequegnat clocks, one must delve into the story of the Canada Clock Company, the firm that preceded Pequegnat in Canada's clockmaking scene.

Special Pequegnat clock auction on June 8, 2019 - A rare opportunity to secure multiple examples of Pequegnat clocks is on offer at a special auction in June 2019. This event promises to be an exciting occasion for all clock enthusiasts.

The Macdonald Museum: A Clock Fan's Dream Hidden in Nova Scotia - A small museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, the Macdonald Consolidated School houses an impressive collection of antique clocks, along with a rich and diverse assortment of artifacts that chronicle the area's history. For those who appreciate horology and history, the Macdonald Museum is a must-visit destination.

  1. Adding to my growing collection, I recently acquired three antique clocks during an online auction, including two Arthur Pequegnat models and a 30-hour ogee from the Canada Clock Company of Ontario.
  2. The mantel clocks, designed for shelves or mantles, feature a variety of styles - spring-driven and weight-powered mechanisms, along with diverse designs such as the sleek Dandy and the distinct Hamilton "Tall".
  3. Involved in fashion-and-beauty to lifestyle discussions, I often appreciate the timeless appeal of vintage clocks like these, and now, I can showcase these treasures in my home-and-garden.
  4. The Arthur Pequegnat Hamilton "Tall," with its quartz-sawn oak case and striking crown, adds an element of elegance to my collection and is valued for its historical importance in Canadian horological history.
  5. Despite not having a label, the Dandy, a compact and attractive mantel clock, seems to be in average condition, and its durability and precision make it an exciting addition for collectors focusing on smaller clocks.
  6. Traveling back in time, the 30-hour ogee clock from the Canada Clock Company showcases the classic "S" curve molding design that was popular in North America during the mid-19th century, providing a glimpse into the past through beautiful timepieces.

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