Moncton's Double Spring Time Evaluation: Examining the Motion Before Maintenance (Part 1)
A Rare Piece of Canadian History: The Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Wall Clock
The Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock is a significant relic of Canadian history, a testament to the country's rich horological heritage. This timepiece, produced by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, was a symbol of national pride during the early 20th century, marking a transition into modern mechanical timekeeping.
Founded by Canadian immigrant Arthur Pequegnat in 1904, the company operated in Kitchener, Ontario, until 1941. The company's clocks, including the Moncton model, became renowned for their quality, durability, and design, making them highly sought after by collectors, particularly in Canada.
The Moncton clock, like other Pequegnat creations, embodies the Canadian clockmaking tradition and industrial craftsmanship of the era. It stood out amid the dominant American and European clock manufacturers, signifying a crucial chapter in Canadian horological history that emphasised local manufacturing and design.
In Canadian history, the Arthur Pequegnat clocks, including the Moncton wall clock, symbolise national pride in homegrown manufacturing. They are valued not just for their rarity but also for their connection to Canadian heritage. These clocks often feature in antique collections, exhibitions, and discussions about the development of clockmaking in Canada.
The Moncton clock, specifically, boasts a double spring time-only movement with a Graham deadbeat escapement running at 80 beats per minute. Its pendulum access door is 14 1⁄2 inches high by 10 3⁄4 inches wide and swings to the right. The clock is 5 inches deep, with wall stabilizers on either side of the case. The pendulum bob is brass over iron with an oak pendulum rod. The original dial glass has the "waviness" expected of old glass.
The Moncton clock's design is characterised by pierced spade hands and a fumed quarter-sawn oak case. It stands 35 inches high, with a hinged 16-inch oak bezel door that swings to the right to reveal the dial. The dial is a 12-inch Arabic dial with simple, bold numbers.
Despite being over 80 years old, the Moncton clock is in exceptional condition. Originally from the Toronto area, this clock was commonly found in offices and train stations across Canada, where it was known for its accuracy. The Moncton clock was named after the City of Moncton in New Brunswick, reflecting the nationalism that characterised many of Pequegnat's clock names.
Today, the Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock continues to hold significance as an artifact of Canadian industrial history, representing a uniquely Canadian contribution to early 20th-century clockmaking that is still appreciated for its craftsmanship and cultural value.
- Vintage clocks enthusiasts often admire the Moncton wall clock, a piece of Canadian history and an embodiment of the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company's lifestyle, inviting comparisons to other home-and-garden gadgets from the era.
- The Moncton wall clock, a legacy of technology and craftsmanship, showcases the evolution of the timekeeping industry, standing alongside wall clocks as symbols of progress during the early 20th century.
- As a collector's item, the Moncton clock carries not only the charm of a vintage gadget but also a cultural significance, connecting it to Canada's home-and-garden exhibitions and lifestyle discussions.
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