Maintaining the Gufa movement in a Fleet Time mantel clock, ensuring its proper functioning.
In the realm of Canadian clockmaking, one name that remains somewhat elusive is the Fleet Time Company, a firm that produced mantel clocks between 1936 and 1940. A search through available sources reveals no extensive information about this specific entity, leading many to believe that the Fleet Time Company may not be as well-documented as other clock manufacturers of the era.
However, what is known is that during the pre-war period, many Fleet Time Company clocks were sold in department stores across Canada. These clocks, primarily two and three-train mantel clocks, were meticulously crafted and bore the 'Made in Montreal, Canada' mark.
One such clock, purchased about a year ago, found its way into the hands of a devoted collector. After cleaning and bushing work, the movement was reassembled. Yet, the journey did not end there. Adjustments were necessary, and further testing was required to ensure the clock was functioning optimally.
The complexity of the three-train movement posed a challenge. Its intricate interconnectivity made setting up the trains a delicate process. For instance, the strike paddle was found ending the strike sequence hanging off one of the star points, a common issue with these clocks.
The clock in question features a Gufa Westminster chime movement, sourced from Guetenbacher Uhrenfabrik, located in Gütenbach, Germany. The chime gear patent date number on the clock likely refers to the year 1934, hinting at the clock's origins.
The chime sequence needed adjustment, with the set screw for the main chime wheel needing to be loosened and the drum rotated. The clock also required new bushings on the second wheels and the motion works arbour. The chime strike lever was sticking on the strike warning pin, necessitating polishing.
While parts for three-train movements are scarce, careful attention must be paid to the job of each lever in the movement to ensure its smooth operation. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to replace the movement rather than repair it, especially since three-train movements often need major work after a few years.
For those interested in delving deeper into the history of clockmaking or clock companies during this period, broader historical resources or archives related to Canadian manufacturing or clockmaking history would be an excellent starting point. The development of quartz clocks, for instance, was a significant innovation during the mid-20th century, with Warren Marrison's contributions in Canada being noted.
Nonetheless, the enigma of the Fleet Time Company remains, with more specialized research or access to local historical records required to uncover more about this lesser-known Canadian clockmaker.
- The collector's home-and-garden collection includes a vintage clock from the Fleet Time Company, a Canadian firm known for producing antique mantel clocks between 1936 and 1940.
- In the fashion-and-beauty industry, vintage clocks, such as those from the Fleet Time Company, can serve as unique decorative pieces that add a touch of vintage elegance to one's lifestyle.
- The collector discovered that the Fleet Time Company clocks were often sold in department stores, along with other food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and shopping items, during the pre-war period.
- Relationships between collectors and experts in the field can be vital in the process of acquiring, restoring, and understanding vintage clocks, like those from the Fleet Time Company.
- In the realm of travel, visiting archives or historical societies can offer opportunities to uncover more about lesser-known clockmakers, such as the Fleet Time Company, and contribute to the understanding of the history of clockmaking.
