Canadian Time Clock - More About this Clock

Canadian Time Clock

The Canadian Time clock was made by the Arthur Pequegnat Clock company. The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company (1904–1941) is notable as the longest lasting Canadian-based clock manufacturer.

My particular clock was made after 1917; I know this because it was made in Kitchener Ontario. Clocks made before 1917 were inscribed "Berlin" on the dial face.

Kitchener was known as Berlin prior to and during the first World War. It was the town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. Because the name Berlin was associated with the war against Germany the decision was made to change the name to Kitchener midway through the First World War. Kitchener is the present seat of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario.

The precise year that my clock was manufactured is unknown, however I believe the Canadian Time clock series was made right up to 1941. By 1941, the demands of World War II armament makers for brass, the essential ingredient in clock movements, pressed the company to stop production. A pity! If my clock was made in 1941, it's age would be 72 years however I think that it was likely made in the 1930s though I have no definitive proof that it was since there are no actual markings indicating the year it was made.

Curious cross horseshoes

Interestingly enough. it is the only one I have seen with Arabic numbers as most were ordered with Roman Numerals. Being a railway clock Arabic numbers would have made it easier to read by common folk in a train station. I am told that one could order the clock from the manufacturer with either Arabic or Roman numerals.

I have seen only one other clock with the cross horseshoes that you can see in the second photo so I am thinking that the horseshoes were added after the clock was made.

In any event I am trying to find a photo of the clock while it was hanging in the Pictou, Nova Scotia train station prior to the station's decommissioning in the early 1990s. If I can locate a photograph it would help me date the clock more accurately. Of particular note, I have 10 clocks in my house; the Canadian Time clock is the most accurate and is indeed a testament to the quality and care that went into the crafting of this fine timepiece.