Weekly Discussion: Forestville Clock - Episode 30
In this week's edition of Tick-Talk Tuesday, we delve into the fascinating history of the Forestville Clock Company, a Canadian clock manufacturer that captivated the nation's hearts for decades.
Established in Toronto, Ontario, in 1928 by Austrian immigrants Leopold and Sara Stossel, the company was initially known as the Black Forest Clock Company. Contrary to popular belief, this company was not a German firm, but a Canadian one that imported clock movements and fully assembled clocks from Germany[1][4].
During its early years, Forestville clocks were assembled locally in Toronto, with German clock movements installed in cases either produced in-house or supplied by the Walter Clock Company, a renowned Canadian case manufacturer based in Kitchener, Ontario. The cases typically showcased traditional styles such as tambour and buffet designs, catering to Canadian preferences[1].
As World War II approached, the company shifted its focus to more locally oriented production and rebranded itself around 1941, likely to distance itself from German ties during the war[1]. The mantel clocks produced during this period combined high-quality German mechanical movements with Canadian-made or assembled cases, offering classical designs ideal for mantel or shelf display.
Joe, one of our readers, recently acquired a Forestville mantel clock at an auction. Excited about his new find, Joe sent a photo of the movement of the clock, and we are looking forward to seeing the clock in its new home on the mantle.
The Forestville Clock Company, although primarily known for its mantel clocks, should not be confused with the traditional Black Forest clockmakers in Germany, who have a long legacy dating back to the 17th century and are renowned for cuckoo clocks[3][5]. The Canadian Black Forest Company, on the other hand, combined European mechanical precision with local assembly and case crafting[1][4].
In our articles, we aim to address readers' questions and comments about clocks, and we often consult with fellow clock enthusiasts for complex questions. If you have a clock-related query or would like to share your own collection, don't hesitate to reach out.
[1] "The Black Forest Clock Company: A Canadian Success Story." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada, 2021. www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/black-forest-clock-company. [2] "Forestville Clock Company." Clock Wiki. Accessed October 1, 2022. https://clockwiki.com/wiki/Forestville_Clock_Company. [3] "Black Forest Clockmaking: A Long and Proud Tradition." Black Forest Clock Museum. Accessed October 1, 2022. https://blackforestclocks.com/black-forest-clockmaking-a-long-and-proud-tradition/. [4] "The Black Forest Clock Company." The National Post. August 24, 2016. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-black-forest-clock-company. [5] "The Black Forest Clock Museum." The Black Forest Clock Museum. Accessed October 1, 2022. https://blackforestclocks.com/.
Vintage Forestville clocks, cherished by clock enthusiasts, are often showcased in lifestyle photography, blending seamlessly into both fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden settings. As mantelpiece pieces, these clocks effortlessly transcend trends and add a touch of historic charm to any room.
