Clock mechanism maintenance within a Mauthe box
## Unveiling the Mauthe Box Clock: A Classic Timepiece in Canadian Homes
The Mauthe box clock, a time-and-strike wall clock, is a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and mechanical reliability of German clockmaking. Manufactured by Mauthe, a renowned German clockmaker active from the mid-19th century until the 1970s, these clocks were popular during the 1940s and 1950s.
Mauthe, known for its robust and elegant designs, produced a variety of clocks, including wall clocks, wristwatches, and notably, box clocks. The Mauthe box clock is characterized by its simple wooden case, large face, and clear Roman or Arabic numerals, making it a staple in many households.
There is no evidence that Mauthe was directly affiliated with subsidiary companies specializing in clocks. The company operated its own factories in Schwenningen, Germany, and was responsible for both movements and cases.
Despite limited sales records, anecdotal and restoration accounts confirm that Mauthe clocks, particularly the box clock variety, were exported to Canada during the mid-20th century. These clocks were often gifted to professionals, such as physicians, reflecting the availability of imported European timepieces post-World War II and the esteem in which German clockmaking was held.
One such Mauthe box clock was purchased at an antique mall in Peterborough, Ontario in May 2017. This specific clock features an unusual spring-loaded weight on the governor and a gong marked by the name Divina, a subsidiary of Mauthe. The clock movement required one bushing to be replaced, and the time and strike mainsprings were cleaned and oiled. The clock's presence in the family cottage is a testament to its enduring appeal and value.
Interestingly, it is believed that this clock may have been sold under the Forestville or Solar name in department stores across Canada in the 1940s, further expanding its reach in the Canadian market. The applique of a maple leaf on the crown suggests that the clock was indeed made for the Canadian market.
In summary, the Mauthe box clock is a cherished piece of clockmaking history, valued for its craftsmanship and reliability. Though not specifically marketed through subsidiaries, it found its way into Canadian homes as a cherished heirloom during and after the 1940s.
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Manufacturer | Mauthe (Germany) | | Product Type | Box clock (time-and-strike wall clock) | | Notable Era | 1940s–1950s | | Subsidiaries | No known subsidiaries; independent manufacturer | | Canadian Market Presence | Exported to Canada; sold under Forestville or Solar names in department stores | | Unique Features | Spring-loaded weight on the governor, Divina gong mark |
- Vintage Mauthe box clocks, such as the one purchased in Peterborough, Ontario, often require repair work, like replacing bushings and servicing mainsprings to maintain their functionality.
- In the mid-20th century, Mauthe clocks, including their box clock variety, were not only exported to Canada but were also sold under different names, like Forestville or Solar, in department stores across the country.
- Technology and gadgets like the Mauthe box clock, although from a different era, continue to captivate people, symbolizing a nostalgic connection to the past, especially in the form of vintage clocks that are still in use today.
