Hamburg American Clock Company Introduces New Shelf Clock: Initial Inspection
In the realm of antique clock collecting, every addition is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Recently, a collector based in Canada made an exciting find – a Hamburg American Clock Co. (HAC) shelf clock, a classic piece from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The HAC shelf clock, with its robust, well-engineered movement and industrialised look, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era before quartz and electric clocks became widespread. This particular clock, an English time and strike clock, specifically an HAU shelf clock, showcases the company's signature eight-day mechanical movement and pendulum, making it a true "regulator" clock.
The owner, a frequent follower of online for-sale and estate auction sites, stumbled upon this gem during the Christmas season while splitting time between Calgary and Ottawa. The clock, which was purchased online due to inability to bid in person, was a new acquisition for the collector, marking the first HAC clock in their collection.
The HAC, originally a German company founded in 1883, was later acquired by Junghans in the late 1920s. Despite its German origins, this clock exhibits a distinctly American design, with brackets on all four corners that attach the movement to the inside front panel, a feature more common in American clocks.
The clock's movement servicing is complete, and the case is the next focus. The collector plans to restore the wooden case to its former glory, preserving the historical and aesthetic value of this antique timepiece.
With this new addition, the collector's collection continues to grow, featuring a mix of German clocks such as Junghans, Mauthe, Hermle, Jauch, Gufa, and others. Each clock tells a story, a piece of history waiting to be uncovered, and the HAC shelf clock is no exception.
As the owner continues to care for and maintain this historical treasure, it serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship and innovation that once defined the clockmaking industry, and the enduring appeal of antique clocks for collectors today.
Vintage clocks of different origins have caught the eye of this collector, even extending to sports memorabilia. The addition of a vintage HAC shelf clock, with its striking American design and notable mechanical movement, holds a special place in their collection, complementing the various German clocks such as Junghans, Mauthe, Hermle, Jauch, Gufa, and others.
Following the restoration of the HAC's wooden case, this collector envisions displaying it alongside other pieces, creating a visually intriguing blend of heritage and craftsmanship that mirrors the diversity found in a balanced sports team.
