Clock Malfunction: Issue with Mainspring in Fleet Time Mantel Clock
In the heart of Montreal, Canada, the Forestville Clock Company was a thriving business that produced a variety of mantel clocks from 1936 to 1940. This article delves into the history of this company, particularly focusing on a Blackforest shelf or kitchen clock made before the Second World War.
The clock in question, though in poor condition with dents, gouges, and scratches, boasts an intriguing design. Its tinted lacquer finish, while not surviving well over time, adds to its unique charm. The clock strikes on 3-rods, producing a distinct "bim-bam" sound.
Interestingly, the clock's movement is of unknown German origin, a common trait among Forestville Clock Company's creations. The company primarily sourced their clock movements from Germany, a decision likely influenced by a combination of logistical, political, and economic factors during the war and post-war period.
During World War II, France was under German occupation, making it difficult to establish reliable supply chains. The Allies, including the United States, imposed trade restrictions and embargoes on countries under Axis control, which would have included restrictions on importing goods from France. Post-war relations and economic conditions in France might have also influenced the decision, as the country was rebuilding and facing economic challenges.
Alternative sources, such as Germany, might have offered more accessible or competitive alternatives for clock movements, especially if they were not under the same level of occupation or economic strain as France during and after the war. The quality and reputation of clock movements from Germany, such as those from Glashütte, might have been more appealing or reliable for the Forestville Clock Company, influencing their sourcing decisions.
The company's clocks, all of which had pendulums and were spring-driven, were imported through department and specialty stores. Some wood cases were even made in Canada, while others were imported from Germany. Notably, the Forestville Clock Company produced a Westminster chime mantel clock, similar to the one in question.
It's worth mentioning that the case of the clock has been reconditioned, with the addition of a dial and bezel from an old Blackforest Clock Co. clock. The Blackforest Clock Company, founded by Leopold and Sara Stossel in 1928 in Toronto, Ontario, was another significant player in the Canadian clock-making industry.
The Forestville Clock Company's history serves as a fascinating glimpse into Canada's clock-making past, offering insights into the challenges faced by companies during wartime and the unique designs that emerged as a result. Despite the passage of time, these clocks continue to tick, offering a link to a bygone era.
- The unmatched charm of the vintage clock, in poor condition with signs of wear, is accentuated by its intriguing design and tinted lacquer finish, reminiscent of the Blackforest Clock Company's creations.
- As the Forestville Clock Company primarily sourced their clock movements from Germany during the war and post-war period, it raises questions about the influence of data-and-cloud-computing technology on their decisions, considering the logistical, political, and economic factors of the time.
