Kitchen Clock Maintenance Part II: Cleaning, Pivot Polish, Bushing Tasks, and Testing of Pequegnat Models
In the heart of Ontario, a treasure was discovered – a vintage Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf kitchen clock, a Canadian-made timepiece that dates back to the 1940s. The clock, a part of the Maple Leaf series, was purchased in Bloomfield, Ontario, and added to a collector's collection in November 2015. However, the clock was not in working order and needed some tender loving care.
The repair process began with a thorough cleaning. Each part of the clock mechanism was carefully disassembled, cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, and dried immediately. The pivots and gears were cleaned using a mild solvent to remove old oil, dirt, and grime. Soft brushes and peg wood were used to clean pivot holes gently.
One of the pivots had small scoring, but the rest were in good shape and were polished to remove any nicks or corrosion. Fine-grade polishing sticks and specialized pivot polishing tools were used to restore a smooth, shiny surface for minimal friction and proper rotation in the bushings. This step is essential to improve the clock’s performance and longevity.
The bushing work was challenging due to the pressed brass inserts not being on-center, potentially ruining a Bergeon reamer. Nevertheless, a bushing was installed on the escape wheel, which had problematic bushing wear.
The clock case was in good shape, but the dial was beginning to flake and has been repainted. The repair is not self-performed due to the stage of the learner. The reassembly process was carried out with great care, ensuring each part was properly seated. Lubricant was sparingly applied to pivots to prevent excess that could attract dirt.
The clock movement has been successfully reassembled and is now on the test stand. During reassembly, the hammer spring snapped and was replaced with a .35mm brass spring. The clock is currently off for tests to ensure smooth movement of the hands, consistent ticking, and proper striking if applicable.
While no direct detailed step-by-step guide specifically for the Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf clock was found, similar guiding principles can be inferred from experienced antique clock servicing articles that cover Pequegnat and related models. For best results, reference specialized clock repair literature or connect with horological restoration forums focused on Canadian-made clocks, including the Arthur Pequegnat line.
Despite not being a fan of gingerbread-style kitchen clocks, the owner felt compelled to purchase the clock as a Canadian. The repair process has been a labour of love, and the clock, once restored, will be a beautiful addition to any home. The journey to restore this vintage piece continues, and the anticipation builds as the clock ticks closer to perfection.
The vintage Arthur Pequegnat Maple Leaf kitchen clock, a prized possession in the home-and-garden collection, underwent a meticulous restoration process, involving clock servicing to restore its function and charm. After the repair, this vintage clocks becomes a fitting addition to any lifestyle, encompassing not only fashion-and-beauty but also the nostalgic charm of vintage pieces.
