Weekly Chat Event #30 - The Forestville Timepiece
In the realm of antique clocks, the Forestville Clock Company, once known as the Black Forest Clock Company, holds a unique place in Canadian history. Founded in 1928 by Austrian immigrants Leopold and Sara Stossel in Toronto, Ontario, this company was not the original Black Forest Clock Company based in the Black Forest region of Germany.
Initially, the company imported German clock movements and complete clocks, but some were assembled locally with cases possibly made by the Walter Clock Company in Kitchener, Ontario. These cases often featured traditional styles like tambour and buffet designs, tailored to Canadian tastes.
The company’s mantel clocks began as a combination of German movements installed in locally crafted cases and progressed to more complete clocks imported fully assembled from Germany. However, due to the growing anti-German sentiment during World War II, the company rebranded itself as the Forestville Clock Company in 1941, continuing production under that name.
Distinctive features of their mantel clocks include well-built wooden cases, traditional Canadian styling in some locally made models, and quality German mechanical movements early on. The clock cases often reflected popular designs of the era, and the company’s products were marketed through department stores and jewelry retailers across Canada.
Recently, a reader named Joe shared a photo of a Forestville clock he purchased at an auction. Although Joe did not specify whether the clock has a floating balance escapement, the email response from the assistant stated that the clock looks like a nice pendulum clock. Joe plans to put the clock on his mantle.
The "Tick-Talk Tuesday" series, focusing on letters and comments from readers about their clocks, aims to address clock issues, challenges, and specific clocks. This series serves as a platform for clock enthusiasts to share their experiences and seek advice from fellow enthusiasts when confronted with complex questions.
In summary, the Forestville Clock Company, originally the Black Forest Clock Company, was a Canadian clockmaker with a rich history. Founded in 1928, the company produced mantel clocks featuring traditional styles, quality German movements, and Canadian-made cases early on. The company was based in Toronto throughout its existence, and its products were marketed widely in Canada. Despite the name change in 1941, the company continued to produce clocks under the Forestville name, with the production likely lasting through the 1940s.
[1] Black Forest Clock Company: A Canadian Clockmaker with German Roots [2] Forestville Clock Company: A Legacy of Quality Canadian Clocks
- Vintage Forestville clocks, often found in home-and-garden auctions, are a delight for clock enthusiasts, with their unique blend of traditional Canadian styling, German movements, and locally crafted cases.
- A thriving community of clock enthusiasts treasures the lifestyle that includes owning and appreciating these vintage Forestville clocks, hoping to find that perfect piece to complement their mantles or home decor.
