Moncton's Double Spring Time Continues: Supporting the Progression
## Restored Arthur Pequegnat Moncton Wall Clock Showcases Canadian Craftsmanship
A recently serviced Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock, a rare collectible from early 20th century Canada, has been brought back to life. The clock, purchased in 2018 from an antique store in Bloomfield, Ontario, was discovered to be in excellent condition, having never undergone any past repairs[1].
The Moncton is a double spring time-only clock, similar to the Seth Thomas #2, but with a 15-day double spring driven movement, making it more efficient[1]. This unique feature, combined with its Canadian heritage, adds to the clock's collectibility.
The servicing process involved cleaning parts in an ultrasonic, polishing the pivots, cleaning the mainsprings, and pegging out the bushing holes. The bushing holes in the discovered Moncton clock are slightly worn but do not require immediate bushing work[1]. The serviced movement was then assembled and mounted for testing.
The Moncton clock's movement is attached to a support frame bolted to the case, making it easy to disassemble using four screws[1]. This design allows for easier maintenance and repair, which is a testament to the clock's practicality alongside its aesthetic appeal.
The Moncton was a popular "high-end" office clock and was also found in rail stations across Canada[1]. The clock's name is derived from the City of Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada, further emphasizing its Canadian roots.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, which operated in Kitchener, Ontario, from 1904 to 1941, was one of the only significant mechanical clock manufacturers in Canada[1]. The company's clocks, including the Moncton, are now considered collectible antiques, cherished for their robust, domestically produced movements and classic Canadian styling.
While detailed catalogs of Pequegnat's range are scarce, each model, including the Moncton, is recognized for its solid wood cases, often made of oak or walnut, reflecting the Arts and Crafts styles popular in the early 20th century[1]. The clocks also feature mechanical movements, winding by key, often 8-day movements, and traditional, easy-to-read clock faces, often with Roman numerals.
There were two variations of the Moncton: a short and a long version[1]. The original Moncton, known as the First Issue, had a tapered bottom piece, while the Second Issue had a rounded bottom with a middle cut-out[1].
The Moncton's movement, like many Pequegnat clocks, is powered by two springs and uses the Graham deadbeat escapement, which requires between one fourth to one half the driving power than the same clock using a recoil escapement, reducing wear over time[1]. This precision escapement, if present in the Moncton, would contribute to its accuracy and longevity.
In conclusion, the restored Arthur Pequegnat Moncton wall clock is a testament to the quality craftsmanship of Canadian clockmaking during the early 20th century. Its unique features, such as the double spring driven movement and potential use of the Graham deadbeat escapement, make it a desirable collectible among antique clock enthusiasts and collectors of Canadian memorabilia.
[1] Information sourced from personal communication with the clock's owner and various online resources.
Vintage clocks, such as the Arthur Pequegnat Moncton, are often found among gadgets admired by antique collectors. The Moncton, known for its double spring time-only movement and potential use of the Graham deadbeat escapement, showcases the advancements in technology and craftsmanship during the early 20th century.
Wall clocks, especially collectible ones like the restored Arthur Pequegnat Moncton, not only serve as functional timekeepers but also as reminders of the rich history and artistry found in vintage technology.
