Pequegnat Simcoe serves as a driving force in the ongoing progression
Article Title: The Jewel of Canadian Clockmaking: The Pequegnat Jewel Clock
In the realm of Canadian clockmaking, few names hold as much prestige as the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company. Between the early 1900s and the mid-20th century, the company produced a variety of clocks, one of the most notable being the Pequegnat Jewel clock.
The Pequegnat Jewel clock, a mantel clock, is renowned for its elegant design and quality dial. Despite its age, these clocks often require restoration, due to the intricate dial work that sometimes shows signs of wear. The Jewel clock is a desirable item for collectors, often selling for many times more than a comparable mantel clock in Canada.
The production of Pequegnat clocks began around the early 1900s. The company struggled against American competition until it ceased operations post-World War II. Pequegnat clocks are iconic for Canadian clock collectors, with a variety of models including kitchen clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks like the Jewel. Some models even feature Canadian motifs, such as the "Maple Leaf".
Interestingly, mantel clocks like the Jewel were not on the radar before the acquisition of the Jewel clock. Pequegnat clocks, including the Jewel, were nickel-plated to mitigate the formation of rust.
Regarding Simcoe clocks, there is insufficient data available. It is possible that Simcoe clocks refer to a lesser-known or regional brand, or may be related to clockmakers from Simcoe County in Ontario, Canada, but this is not confirmed in the data available.
One of the eight Arthur Pequegnat clocks in a collection is the Simcoe clock, often referred to as a "Berlin" clock by collectors, due to the "Berlin", Ontario inscription on the dial face, which was common for clocks produced before 1917 and up to 1941. The Simcoe clock has a bell for the 1/2 hour strike, a feature that was later dispensed with by Pequegnat.
The Simcoe clock, found in an antique store in Victoria, British Columbia, is slightly more expensive than the Jewel clock at the time. Despite this, the Jewel clock is the newest addition to the collection and was not actively sought, unlike the Simcoe clock.
In summary, the Pequegnat Jewel clock, a Canadian-made mantel clock, is a prized possession among collectors for its elegant design and quality dial. The Simcoe clock, while not as well-known, is also a significant piece in the collection, with its unique "Berlin" inscription and 1/2 hour strike bell. Further research may uncover more about Simcoe clocks and their connection to the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company.
- Vintage clocks, like the Pequegnat Jewel clock, are treasured by clock enthusiasts and frequently sell for higher prices than comparative pieces, indicating their value as part of a lifestyle focused on home-and-garden collectibles.
- While many antique Pequegnat clocks are mantel clocks, such as the Jewel, some, like the Simcoe, or the Berlin clock, may have unique features such as a 1/2 hour strike bell, setting them apart from other models produced by the company.
- Within the realm of gadgets and technology, the Pequegnat Jewel clock, though traditional, showcases the mastery of craftsmanship achieved even before the era of advanced technology, proving that timeless design and precision still appeal to modern consumers.
