Pequegnat Bedford specializes in providing support to various social and political groups
A Notable Canadian Timepiece: The Arthur Pequegnat Kitchener Clock
In the realm of Canadian horology, the Arthur Pequegnat Kitchener clock stands as a significant piece, crafted by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, a prominent Canadian clockmaker active during the early 20th century. The name Kitchener is a nod to the city of Kitchener, Ontario, which was previously known as Berlin, but changed during World War I.
One of the styles produced under this model name is the Bedford variant. While specific details about the Bedford variant are limited, Arthur Pequegnat clocks, including the Kitchener and its variants, are generally marked by classic wooden case construction, mechanical movements, distinctive dials, and branding. The Bedford variant likely possesses these features with unique design elements that set it apart within the Kitchener model line.
The company, established in the late 1800s, is historically significant as one of Canada's most important clock manufacturers. The Kitchener model, named after the local context of the factory, reflects both a connection to Canadian history and the craftsmanship of that era.
The Kitchener clock, as we know it after 1917, bears the inscription "Canada" on its dial face. Prior to this change, "Berlin" was inscribed on the dials of Pequegnat clocks. This shift in inscription mirrors the town's name change during World War I. Interestingly, the steel plates of the later Pequegnat movements, including the Bedford, feature brass bushing inserts, a change made during World War I when brass was in short supply.
Upon receiving the clock in May 2018, it was already running and had been since 2018. After a two-week testing period, consisting of a couple of 8-day cycles, any further adjustments required will be determined. However, during the reassembly process, the front plate of the Pequegnat clock was bent. It's worth noting that attempting to punch a plate to close pivot holes while the movement is assembled could potentially cause the plates to bend.
This particular Pequegnat clock might be a variant due to its larger 7-inch dial. While further investigation is needed to confirm, it's possible that the dial bezel and glass might have been added as part of a later repair.
The Arthur Pequegnat Bedford, a Kitchener clock, is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Canadian clockmaking in the early 20th century. Despite the limited information available, the Bedford variant remains an intriguing piece in the Kitchener model line, waiting to be uncovered by dedicated horological researchers and collectors.
[1] Further inquiries might require consulting dedicated horological resources or collector communities focused on Canadian antique clocks to uncover more specific details about the Bedford variant's unique characteristics and the complete historical timeline of the Kitchener model.
- Vintage mantel clocks, such as the Arthur Pequegnat Bedford, are cherished by clock enthusiasts, as they offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of a bygone era, while incorporating classic design elements and mechanical movements.
- The home-and-garden sector might find intrigue in acquiring a vintage kitchen clock, like the Arthur Pequegnat Bedford, as it not only serves as a functional gadget but also adds a touch of technology rooted in history to one's living space.
- As a collector of antique clocks, the Arthur Pequegnat Bedford would be an interesting addition to one's collection, given its Canadian origin, association with the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, and its unique design elements as a variant within the Kitchener model line.
