First glance at Arthur Pequegnat's Canuck gingerbread clock model
The Arthur Pequegnat Canuck gingerbread clocks are a unique and historically significant subset of Canadian clockmaking, tied to the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company. This company, founded in 1904 in Berlin, Ontario (now Kitchener), by Arthur Pequegnat, was a leading Canadian clock manufacturer from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
History
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company produced a range of clocks, often reflecting popular styles of the time. One of their most iconic creations is the Canuck model, known for its detailed wood carvings, distinctive design, and Canadian heritage symbolism. Gingerbread clocks, including the Canuck, were very popular in North America from the late 1800s to early 1900s because of their decorative appeal and affordability.
Survival
Gingerbread clocks, especially those made by Pequegnat, tend to be more fragile than other clocks due to their intricate wooden cases and often delicate movements. Surviving examples, especially in good condition with original parts and pendulums, are prized by collectors.
Desirability
Among Pequegnat clocks, the Canuck gingerbread model is highly desirable for several reasons. Its ornate woodwork and historical connection to Canadian craftsmanship, limited production numbers compared to simpler or more mass-produced models, and its appeal as a symbol of Canadian identity make it a sought-after item among collectors.
Market Value Compared to Other Pequegnat Clocks
Canuck gingerbread clocks generally fetch higher market values than many other Pequegnat clocks for these reasons: their rarity and intricate design elevate their collectible status. Prices for a well-preserved Canuck model often exceed those of more common models like the simple wall clocks or kitchen regulator types.
A Personal Collection
The author, a clock enthusiast, owns a modest collection of 8 Arthur Pequegnat clocks, including a Canuck gingerbread clock. Although the dial of the Canuck clock is in poor condition, the clock's eight-day movement with steel plates is in working order, a common feature of time and strike Pequegnat clocks. The case of the clock is very dirty and requires a thorough cleaning plus a protective coat of shellac. The clock is post-Berlin period, made after 1917.
Despite not being the writer's favourite, the Canuck clock is not unattractive. Pequegnat clocks command higher than average prices, and a reproduction dial on tin is available online from a source in Oakville, Ontario for $50.
In conclusion, the Arthur Pequegnat Canuck gingerbread clocks are prized Canadian antiques notable for their detailed craftsmanship and cultural significance. They survive in smaller numbers compared to simpler Pequegnat models due to their fragility. Their desirability is high for collectors seeking Canadian horological artifacts with decorative appeal. Market values for Canuck gingerbread clocks are generally higher than many contemporaneous Pequegnat clocks, reflecting their rarity and collectible status.
