Clock Maintenance: Attending to the Gufa Movement within the Fleet Time mantel clock
In the heart of Montreal, a city known for its rich industrial heritage, a unique timepiece has captured the attention of its owner and horology enthusiasts alike. The clock in question is an Arthur Pequegnat Canuck shelf clock, manufactured by the Fleet Time Company of Montreal between 1936 and 1940.
During this brief period, the Fleet Time Company produced clocks primarily for military and industrial use. These clocks, with their robust construction, reflect an important chapter in Canadian horology, particularly during the years leading up to and including part of World War II.
However, detailed historical records about the company are scarce. Its active period of only four years suggests it may have faced challenges such as economic conditions of the late 1930s and wartime shifts that affected manufacturing priorities. Despite this, the company's clocks remain sought after by collectors of Canadian-made timepieces, who appreciate their rarity and historical significance.
The clock in question features a Gufa Westminster chime movement, manufactured between 1935 and 1939. Movements for the clock were sourced from Germany, a testament to the international nature of clock manufacturing during that era.
The clock's chime sequence needed adjustment, which involved loosening the set screw for the main chime wheel and rotating the drum. The strike paddle, however, was found to be sticking and required polishing to function properly. Additionally, the strike paddle needed to be repositioned due to ending the strike sequence hanging off one of the star points.
Maintenance of the clock also involved replacing worn-out parts such as the bushings on the second wheels and the motion works arbour. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to replace the movement rather than repair it, especially for modern Hermle movements. Unfortunately, parts for three-train movements, like the one in the Canuck shelf clock, are almost impossible to find.
Despite these challenges, the clock's movement now functions properly after the adjustments made. This rare piece of Canadian industrial history continues to keep time, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Fleet Time Company and the enduring allure of horology.
For those interested in learning more about the Fleet Time Company or other aspects of Canadian horology, consulting Canadian industrial history resources, horological museums, or Montreal historical business archives might be necessary. While online search results do not currently provide detailed information about the Fleet Time Company, the mystery surrounding this Canadian clock manufacturer only adds to its intrigue.
- Vintage clocks, such as the Arthur Pequegnat Canuck shelf clock, often hold significant value for collectors, appreciating their rarity and historical importance.
- A lifestyle filled with antique clocks, like the Fleet Time Company's work, can offer a unique perspective on a nation's industrial heritage.
- While fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping are all essential components of life, horology, too, plays a noteworthy role.
- In the realm of hobbies, the maintenance of mantel clocks, such as the Canuck shelf clock, can be a gratifying pursuit, involving meticulous adjustments and repairs.
- The process of shopping for specific parts required for clock maintenance, like the worn-out bushings on the second wheels or the motion works arbour, can sometimes be as challenging as the repair itself.
- Despite the scarcity of resources, exploring Canadian industrial history, horological museums, and Montreal historical business archives can provide insights into enigmatic clock manufacturers such as the Fleet Time Company.
