Antique and Vintage Clocks

I picked up this Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf “fan top” this week (November 2015). It was advertised as a non-running clock and the seller was quite correct, lots of problems. I am not a huge “fan” of gingerbread kitchen clocks but thought if I wanted one, and I am a Canadian, it should be a Pequegnat.

The clock is completed with the Maple Leaf bob, original untouched dial, most of its label and a remarkably intact maple leaf decal on the front glass.

It is from the Berlin period (pre-1917, Berlin is Kitchener, Ontario today) and has the classical nickel-plated steel plates with brass bushings found in most time and strike Pequegnats.

I managed to get the clock in beat by adjusting the verge but the minute arbor is very loose and the minute and hour hands remain stationary. Rather than tackle it myself I might have this clock professionally repaired. In the meantime, I intend to take the movement out of its case and see what is wrong. It could be a simple fix or something dire.

The case is another issue. It has no chips or cracks and no pieces missing but the seller thought that the mottling added character. I completely disagree. It does not look good.

I posted this clcok on the NAWCC clock forum site to get some ideas for restoration. The the finish may indeed be original but that the clock was stored in a hot place and the original finish shifted. As one poster said “the case was likely subjected to heat (stored in the attic) and the shellac finish has melted into the alligatored finish you have now”. When the shellac softens airborne dirt is attracted to the finish.

I can refinish the case but the movement needs a repair. I looked at the movement and it is beyond my pay scale at this time.