Mantel Clock Crafted by Blackforest Clock Company: A Brief Overview
Article Title: Uncovering the History of a Canadian Antique Blackforest Clock
In the heart of Ontario, Canada, the Walter Clock Company may have played a significant role in the early years of the Blackforest Clock Company. Although the connection is not definitively proven, Canadian clock historians and collectors suggest that the Walter Clock Company, known for manufacturing wood clock cases, supplied cases used by the Blackforest Clock Company in its early years.
Founded in 1928 in Toronto by Austrian immigrants Leopold and Sara Stossel, the Blackforest Clock Company initially imported clock movements and sometimes complete clocks from Germany. They assembled some clocks locally, with German movements placed inside locally made cases, which could have included those made by the Walter Clock Company. These cases typically featured traditional designs such as tambour and buffet styles, catering to Canadian tastes.
The clock acquired, a time-and-strike mantel clock, is one such antique piece. It was likely sold through the Blackforest Clock Company and was made before the company rebranded itself as the Forestville Clock Company during World War II. Despite being labeled as a chime clock, it is, in fact, a time-and-strike mantel clock, likely made in the mid-1930s.
During wartime, Forestville sourced its movements from England, the United States, and France. After the war, Friedrich Mauthe became one of the most significant movement suppliers for Forestville. This Blackforest clock, therefore, could have been assembled with a Mauthe movement.
Interestingly, this Blackforest clock is not from the Black Forest region of Germany, contrary to common assumption. The Blackforest Clock Company, the manufacturer of this clock, was founded in Toronto, Ontario.
The clock acquired needs restoration, but it should function after a thorough cleaning. It is a testament to the rich history of Canadian clockmaking and a reminder of the collaboration between companies like the Walter Clock Company and the Blackforest Clock Company.
References: 1. "The Blackforest Clock Company, 1928-1985: A Canadian Clockmaking Tradition." Canadian Clock and Watch Museum. Accessed March 20, 2023. https://www.canadianclockandwatchmuseum.com/blackforest-clock-company
- The acquisition of the vintage mantel clock, likely assembled by the Blackforest Clock Company, adds to the discussion of fashion-and-beauty in home-and-garden decor, as it showcases a unique piece of Canadian clockmaking history.
- The mantel clocks, featuring traditional designs, are remnants of the collaboration between companies like the Walter Clock Company and the Blackforest Clock Company, contributing to the evolution and diversity of lifestyle choices.
- While renovating your home, consider incorporating a vintage Blackforest clock, as it embodies both the history and craftsmanship of clock movements from the early days of the Blackforest Clock Company, blending perfectly with the latest fashion-and-beauty trends in the home-and-garden sphere.
