Domestic Disputes and Timepiece Malfunctions
In the heart of Canadian homes, antique and vintage wall clocks tick away, each a testament to the passage of time. However, these treasured timekeepers can face challenges during the changing seasons, particularly in the winter months.
The author of this article, a clock enthusiast, has a 70-year-old Ingersoll-Waterbury time and strike clock that has been affected by peeling veneer due to humidity changes. This issue is not uncommon in wooden clocks, as changes in humidity can cause the wood to contract and expand, leading to cracks and peeling veneer.
In the Black Forest region of Germany, the Blackforest Clock Company was founded by Austrian immigrants Leopold and Sara Stossel. Although often associated with the Black Forest, the company was actually a Canadian clock company, established in 1928 in Toronto, Ontario. Initially, the company imported both clock movements and complete clocks from Germany.
The Blackforest Clock Company, like many, has faced the challenge of humidity changes. To repair a clock, yellow carpenters glue, known for its bonding strength of 3 tons, is used. After the glue has bonded, the affected areas are lightly sanded, treated with wood filler, and touched up with a dark stain. Two coats of shellac are then applied to the repaired areas. Wax paper is placed between the clamp and the veneer to prevent the glue from adhering to the clamp.
Modern homes in Canada often have commercial-style air-exchangers designed to control relative humidity. However, these systems have limitations, especially during the Canadian winter when doors and windows are usually kept shut for extended periods, making it difficult to control indoor humidity. High humidity can be mitigated through the use of humidifiers in the winter months.
Museums, with their vast collections of antique clocks, have mastered the art of preserving these delicate timepieces. They control temperature and humidity to ensure the longevity of their collections. Museums use environmental management systems, hygrometers, protective storage or display cases, and data-logging devices to maintain stable environmental conditions and monitor humidity levels.
As spring approaches, it's customary to adjust clocks to account for daylight saving time. However, for those with a modest collection, seasonal changes may not pose a significant concern for their clocks. Wall clocks with tight doors may even become easier to open in the winter as wood contracts.
For those with a more extensive collection, like the author, it's essential to be aware of the potential impact of humidity changes on their clocks. By understanding the challenges and employing simple repair techniques, these treasured timekeepers can continue to tick away, marking the passage of time for generations to come.
The author's collection of antique and vintage wall clocks can be viewed in a YouTube video made in January 2019. The first day of spring will fall on March 20 for the next two years in a row, providing ample opportunity to observe the changes in the clocks and the home environment.
- The author's vintage Ingersoll-Waterbury clock, a testament to the passage of time, has been affected by peeling veneer due to humidity changes, a common issue in wooden clocks.
- With an extensive collection of antique and vintage wall clocks, the author is aware of the potential impact of humidity changes on these timepieces and employs simple repair techniques to ensure their longevity, marking the passage of time for generations.
