The unlabeled timepiece, long recognized as situated within the schoolhouse, yet never officially acknowledged as the schoolhouse clock.
In a recent venture, an enthusiast has added a unique piece to their collection - a 1920's vintage Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock, often referred to as a "schoolhouse clock". Contrary to popular belief, these clocks were not originally named as such; the term came to be associated with them due to their widespread use in school settings by collectors.
The schoolhouse clock, measuring 9 inches in diameter and 19 inches high, boasts a solid medium dark oak case, original hands, an ornate pressed brass pendulum bob, a solid brass bezel, 80% of an intact label on the backboard, a tin dial pan, and stenciled lower glazing on the sash.
This particular schoolhouse clock was found in an antique shop, and upon closer inspection, it was discovered to have a bent crutch rod, a rubbing sound around the pendulum area, and a suspension spring soldered where the spring hooks into the top block. Despite these issues, the clock is in very good overall condition for its age, a testament to the robustness of these utilitarian timepieces.
The term "schoolhouse clock" historically refers to a style of wall clock that was commonly used in American schools during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These clocks were typically simple, utilitarian, and robust, designed for easy visibility and reliability in classroom settings.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, based in Kitchener, Ontario, produced such clocks from 1903 to 1941. Interestingly, the author's Arthur Pequegnat clock is the Brandon II, a time-only wall clock that is considered easy to work on and suitable for beginners in clock collecting and repair.
The paper dial of the schoolhouse clock is heavily "foxed", a common occurrence in antique clocks due to the natural aging process. Furthermore, it is believed that the clock was likely not run in quite some time, as it was originally from a decommissioned one-room schoolhouse in Springhill, Nova Scotia.
The term "schoolhouse clock" is an endearing name that evokes specific styles of clocks associated with schoolhouses. Its usage ties to homes and schools in the 1800s and early 1900s as public education expanded in the United States. These clocks reflect a period when standard timekeeping became important for institutional schedules.
The author is delighted to have brought this schoolhouse clock back to its former glory, adding another piece of history to their collection. The schoolhouse clock, with its distinctive design and functional purpose, serves as a reminder of the past and the evolution of timekeeping devices in educational institutions.
- The author's recent addition to their clock collecting lifestyle is a 1920's vintage Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock, affectionately known as a "schoolhouse clock".
- The author's discoveries during the inspection of the schoolhouse clock at an antique shop include a bent crutch rod, a rubbing sound around the pendulum area, and a suspension spring soldered where the spring hooks into the top block.
- Despite these issues, the schoolhouse clock is in very good overall condition, showcasing the robustness of these utilitarian timepieces.
- The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, based in Kitchener, Ontario, produced such clocks, making it possible for beginners in clock collecting and repair to venture into this hobby.
- The schoolhouse clock, with its historic significance and functional design, serves as a reminder of the past and the evolution of timekeeping devices in educational institutions, and could potentially be an interesting conversation starter in the fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, or food-and-drink segments of lifestyle, travel, relationships, or even while pet sitting, shopping for cars, or discussing travel experiences.
