Pequegnat Simcoe involved in facilitating progressional activities
In a modest collection of Pequegnat clocks, two timepieces stand out - the Simcoe and the Jewel. These historically significant Canadian clocks, produced by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company based in Kitchener, Ontario, symbolize Canadian craftsmanship and industrial heritage.
The Simcoe and The Jewel: A Closer Look
The Simcoe, often referred to as a "Berlin" clock, and the Jewel share some similarities. Both clocks were not produced in large quantities, and they date back nearly a century. The Simcoe, with its piecrust dial bezel, claw feet, and lion's head handles, and the unadorned box-like Jewel, each have their unique charm.
The Simcoe, one of eight Arthur Pequegnat clocks in the collection, is a mantel clock that boasts a yellow oak case in very good condition, albeit with a few minor imperfections. The Jewel, the newest addition to the collection, is similar in dimensions and style to the Simcoe, but it was a few dollars more at the time.
However, the Jewel, like the Simcoe, is highly desirable among Canadian collectors. Both clocks may sell for many times more than a comparable mantel clock in Canada.
The Pequegnat Clock Company: A Brief History
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, founded by Arthur Pequegnat in Kitchener, Ontario, was one of Canada's most important domestic clock manufacturers. Operating from the early 20th century, the company was well-known for producing sturdy, reliable clocks that stood out in style and durability.
During a period when most clocks sold in Canada were imports, mainly from Germany, the Pequegnat company produced clocks that reflected traditional design blended with Canadian manufacturing. The city of Berlin, Ontario, where the company was based, was a center of industrial activity, including clockmaking. The Pequegnat company played a crucial role in this local industry, contributing to the community’s identity as a hub for fine craftsmanship.
The Simcoe and The Jewel: A Connection to Kitchener's Past
Clocks made before 1917 by Pequegnat were inscribed "Berlin", Ontario on the dial face. The city, renamed Kitchener in 1916 during World War I due to anti-German sentiment, was a center of industrial activity, including clockmaking. The acquisition of the Jewel indicates a continued interest in Pequegnat clocks among collectors, highlighting the historical significance of these timepieces.
While the search results do not specifically detail the Simcoe and Jewel models, the general importance of Arthur Pequegnat clocks and their base in Kitchener (formerly Berlin) is well established by clock historians and collectors. The company is noted as a Canadian clock manufacturer whose products hold heritage value in Ontario, particularly related to Kitchener/Berlin.
In conclusion, the Pequegnat Simcoe and Jewel clocks are emblematic products of the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company in Berlin/Kitchener, Ontario. They represent Canadian industrial heritage and the region’s role as a clockmaking center. Their historical significance is intertwined with the city's identity, particularly regarding its German heritage and wartime renaming to Kitchener. These clocks remain valued collectibles for their craftsmanship and historical relevance to Ontario’s industrial past.
- Clock enthusiasts who appreciate vintage designs would admire the Simcoe and Jewel mantel clocks, as they are symbolic of Canadian craftsmanship and reflect the city of Kitchener's historic roots in the home-and-garden sector.
- Vintage clock collectors and those with an interest in fashion-and-beauty items would find the Pequegnat Simcoe and Jewel clocks attractive additions to their lifestyle, given their value as collectibles that boast both Canadian heritage and an eye-catching design.
- For individuals seeking to incorporate a unique, historically significant accent piece into their home-and-garden décor, vintage mantel clocks such as the Simcoe and Jewel by the Pequegnat Clock Company would prove to be an excellent choice, as they not only showcase classic styling but also underscore the owner's appreciation for enduring Canadian tradition.
