Nice to see the clock designs that Don has posted. It strikes me that clocks are a somewhat neglected item in this forum and there may be some possibilities to share images. Just to get things started here are two examples from my (somewhat dusty) mantle.

Here is the second clock. Written on the horizontal bar are the words "Latch String Always Out." Does anyone know if this phrase has any particular significance in the A & C movement?

i like the first one, did you aquire those locally?

Both were purchased in the Vancouver area.

BINGO and BINGO

clock 1 is in the Come-Pakt furniture catalogues of 1912 and 1913

clock 2 is in the Brooks Furniture catalogue of 1912, but not the 1909 (doesn't help with the 'Latch String Always Out' phrase however; what latch?, what string?, something to do with a string hanging out of the door latch on the left and this is what you pull to open the door maybe ???)

i have an ebay image of the bottom one on my computer at work. i will post it tomorrow.

since we are on clocks, here is a clock i did a few years ago as a christmas present for my wife.

i will venture a guess at the latch string quote.

garden gates used to have a mechanism that allowed a string either through the gate or over the top to lift the latch from the outside and come in.

if the string was not out, that was a sign of not being welcome.

so, the quote that the latch string is always out is a sign of welcome.

thats my take anyway

attached is an image from an ebay offering in october of 2004. i kept the image for my reference in designing clocks.

look familiar?

Another clock - Currently on Craig's List with the following descriptive text.

"Thanks for contacting our unique museum with great pictures of your old TOKIO model clock made by The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company of Berlin (later Kitchener after 1916 WWI), Ontario.

We have some history about the company on our web site under Canadian makers. This popular model with its mission-style dial (brass hands & numbers against oak wood dial) and oak case was produced from the early 1900s through to the late 1920s. You have Berlin on the label, so your clock was made between about 1904 and 1916.

ALL Pequegnat clocks (almost one hundred catalogued mantel, wall and grandfather models) are VERY collectable. Your example has a perfect label and the original maple-leaf pendulum bob. You should have it insured for at least $400 CDN. High end shops might be asking $500.

You have an excellent example of 100% Canadian pendulum clock technology - enjoy!"


http://vancouver.craigslist.org/clt/155934299.html

Image of label in next posting

And here is the label

The "Ottawa", the "Midget", and the "Windsor" are three other A&C style clocks by Pequegnat, that I've seen and made note of but there could be more. They made clocks in many other styes as well. The asking price for the Craigslist link seems pretty reasonable given that this company is pretty hot in the Canadian collecting scene, whatever the style or model.

I saw a decent wall clock last weekend, similar to the attached picture. It appeared to be working OK when I tilted it a bit and it started running and the bell struck. I assume however it might need a good cleaning so is this something thats easy to do or should it be left to a pro? I'll do some Googling for tips but if anyone has done this or knows what a clock restorer would charge, please comment.

i have/am acquiring a very similar clock. it belonged to my grandfather and is now in my parents basement.

this image is the same style but my clock is black. im not sure if it has been painted or stained or if that is the original finish. the numbers and pendulum are silver. i dont think it runs, but i will try to wind and see what happens. there are several clock shops in my area that advertise repair so i will take it to one and see what cleaning costs.

i will take pics and post when i get it.

The clock I was looking at was marked National Clock Mfg. Co. - looks to be very similar to your pic, maybe the same maker.

After googling it seems to me that cleaning is something you can try at home but repairs are for the pros obviously. I found a site that basically said a diluted bath of ammonia and water and a drop or two of dish soap agitated by a blender is the DIY method of cleaning; then oil the pivot points (clock oil) and main spring (with transmission oil). Clocks continue to run long after they need to be cleaned and oiled however, and this is how the pivot points really wear down and the spring messes up, so repairs are usually needed because people have run them without cleaning and oiling for years.

did you get the clock you were looking at?

No I wanted to do some googling to see if I could find out anything about it, pricing etc. It was priced at 135 (about 120 U.S.) and had been marked down once. The picture I put up is essentially the same clock, as found on the rubylane antiques site priced at 400. Some of the on-line pricing for clock repair/cleaning are suggesting 200 or so for a full overhaul, so its hard to judge whether or not I should get it. I found a similar 'case only' one as a completed sale on ebay that went for only 20 bucks, so its tricky to put a value on it - how much for the case and how much for the movement ???. Honestly I think its worth the asking price but I didn't see the pendulum because they had it behind the counter, so i would want to go back and check it (antiques mall kind of place). I might go back this weekend after hitting an auction in the morning - if I don't buy anything at the auction I might go for the clock.

seems i have seen several on ebay recently in the same general style, minor variations, like mine, that have been in the $70-150 range, so that seems a fair price.

i really liked the price on mine....i also have a footstool that belonged to my grandfather as well...see attached. this is how i found it in my parents basement. i have cleaned, oiled, and am going to cover with batting and leather.

The big problem with new clocks is the clock movement.. The body of the clock may be great.. but the movement came from the local crafts store.. you just can;t get a mechanical movement for a reasonable price..

An Idea....


Leather was mentioned in an earlier post.. I have tons of leather scraps left from upholstery.. too good to pitch, but not big enough to do me any good.. most is brown and cranberry leather..

Anyone want?