The elusive timepiece in the school building, never officially named the schoolhouse clock

The elusive timepiece in the school building, never officially named the schoolhouse clock

In the realm of timekeeping, few pieces hold as much charm and historical significance as the recently acquired Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock by its new owner. This 9-inch dial, 19-inch high, 13 1/2-inch wide, and 4-inch deep clock is a classic example of a schoolhouse clock, a style that was once ubiquitous in early 20th-century American schoolrooms.

The Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock, with its ornate pressed brass pendulum bob, solid brass bezel, and stenciled lower glazing on the sash, adds to a collection of three similar style schoolhouse clocks owned by the author. The dial, though showing signs of age with many brownish spots due to being in a moist environment for a long period, still retains 80% of an intact label on the backboard, a testament to its provenance.

The movement of the Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock is an 8-day time-only mechanism, a feature that makes it a satisfying piece for beginners to work on due to its simplicity. The clock is in reasonably good condition for its age, with the suspension spring soldered where the spring hooks into the top block, ensuring its longevity.

The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, based in Kitchener, Ontario, produced the Brandon II, the type of clock the author recently acquired, from 1917 to 1941. The company operated from 1903 to 1941, contributing to the production of many schoolhouse clocks.

Schoolhouse clocks, such as the Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock, were hung in many school rooms across Canada and had simple but tough time-only movements, some with a calendar function. These clocks were the standard design for early North American school houses due to their larger, easy-to-read dials.

The term "schoolhouse clock" was not originally applied to these clocks but was later adopted by collectors to describe specific styles of clocks commonly found in school settings. The paper dial of the Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock is heavily "foxed," a common issue with vintage clocks. Despite this, the author is delighted to have restored the Sessions Drop Octagon wall clock to its former schoolhouse glory.

The name "schoolhouse clock" evokes memories of these particular styles of clock, with their simple, utilitarian design and nostalgic charm. The paper dial, heavily "foxed," and the clock's worn appearance only add to its endearing character, making it a cherished addition to any collection.

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