Which single antique clock would I choose from a house engulfed in flames?

Let's talk about the tricky situation we've been dealing with here in Nova Scotia this spring. Wildfires have been a constant threat, causing quite a stir.

Just last May, our community faced two uncontrollable wildfires. The aftermath was devastating, with thousands forced to evacuate their homes and the sad loss of hundreds of precious properties. With our rural home surrounded by beautiful trees, it's hard not to worry about the possibility of a fire.

When it comes to personal belongings, some things hold more weight than others. ID, cell phones, credit cards, vehicle titles, keys, flashlights, passports, a portable hard drive with all your photos, and essential clothing—these are items we must grab in the event of an emergency. But what if, in the heat of the moment, you could only save one antique clock?

My wife wondered aloud, "What clock would you take?"

Deciding on a specific antique clock to save from a burning house is a personal choice, based on sentimental value, the uniqueness of the clock, and individual preferences. That being said, here are some factors I'd consider when making my pick:

Sentimental Clocks: Pick a clock that means something to you or your family. Maybe it's a treasure passed down through generations or a clock with emotional value attached.
Historical Clocks: If a clock's origins story is significant or it's known for its craftsmanship or historical importance, it could be worth saving.
Preserved Clocks: If one clock is in better condition or has the potential for easier restoration, it might be the smarter choice to save.

Here are just a few clocks that would be on my top list and the reasons behind my choices:

Canadian Pequegnat Timepiece

I've owned this clock for quite some time and have serviced it a couple of times. The clock's case is in exceptional condition, which makes it a special piece in my collection as one of the earliest examples of the eight Pequegnat clocks I own. It lived in a train station awaiting passengers, just a half-hour drive from my home.

Sawin Banjo Clock

Made around the 1840s, this exceptional timepiece boasts the finest timepiece craftsmanship, with a simple design that highlights the clock's elegance and craftsmanship. The plain construction, lacking side rails or ornate embellishments, is what I find so captivating.

Junghans Crispi Wall Clock

This clock went through a comprehensive restoration, involving countless hours of work like disassembling, creating new components, servicing the movement, and refinishing the case. Restoring the clock took a lot of effort and attention to detail. It was rescued from a house ravaged by the devastating Halifax Explosion in 1917.

Vienna Regulator

This Moscow-made clock has a stunning design that's a challenge to leave behind. Its design encapsulates the finest qualities of the 1880s Vienna style, featuring simpler lines and a more refined aesthetic. Without the later Viennese clocks' ornate features, its beauty truly stands out.

Single-weight Vienna Regulator

This clock is a beauty, and choosing to leave it behind would be difficult. Its timeless design exemplifies the finest qualities of the 1880s Vienna style without leaning towards ostentatious features. With classic, simple lines, it captures the essence of Vienna style during that period, making it an enchanting piece.

Halifax Explosion Clock

This clock was rescued from a house that suffered severe destruction during the Halifax Explosion, making it a rare and significant piece in my collection.

Now let's get down to the one and only clock I'd save…

Though I cherish each and every one of these clocks, if I were in a bind and could only choose one, it would have to be the Junghans Crispi. Its exceptional craftsmanship, combined with its unique design and ties to Junghans, make it my pick. With its timeless appeal and overall intrigue, the Junghans Crispi would represent the best of my preferences and hold a special place in my heart.

Rediscover the world of antique and vintage clocks

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[1] “Waltham Clocks.” Waltham Clocks, 24 Mar. 2022, www.noblehouseantiques.com/waltham-clocks.
[3] “How Antique Shops Sell Your Sentimental Clock Back to You.” Chron, 14 May 2021, www.chron.com/life/antiques/article/How-antique-shops-sell-your-sentimental-clock-back-16103187.php.
[4] “The Emotional Power of Sentimental Antiques.” Antiques and the Arts Weekly, 8 Apr. 2015, www.antiquesandtheartsweekly.com/archive/articles/2015/april/08/emotional-power-sentimental-antiques/.
[5] “The Old Town Clock.” Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/halifaxcitadel/activ/parc/otc/index.aspx.

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Which single antique clock would I choose from a house engulfed in flames?