Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

This regularly featured blog is about the letters, questions, and stories I receive from fellow clock enthusiasts.

Tick-Talk Time is a special feature where I respond to readers’ letters and comments about their clock, clock-rlated issues and advice about specific clocks. When a question is particularily complex I consult with my clock community to ensure I offer the most pecise and helpful answers possible.

SK writes;

Hi Ron. 

I am hoping you can help me. I am trying to identify a clock I just bought at an estate sale. This appears to be a Canada Clock Company clock, but I would love to know what model and an approximate date of manufacture. The closest thing I can find is the St Lawrence but is not exactly the same as what I have seen online. 

Can you help me? Any information is appreciated!

Thank you,

SK

My Response

Hi, and thanks for your email, SK.

You are correct—it is the St. Lawrence.

There are two interesting details about your clock. First, it may have originally had an alarm feature, and on your clock, that opening appears to have been covered. Check the inside back of the case for any additional screw holes that might indicate an alarm mechanism was once installed.

Second, the tablet is more ornate than I would have suspected. An add-on perhaps, or a variation within the model. That said, clock companies in those days often made substitutions within the same model line, so differences like this are not unusual. It’s a very nice clock, in decent condition and definitely a keeper.

I have attached a photo of the St Lawrence I found in a museum.

The clock would have been made by the Canada Clock Co. Whitby, Ontario, between 1872 and 1875.

Ron