America's Hamburg Clock Company Introduces Shelf Clock: First Insight
In the world of timekeeping, each piece tells a story. For one enthusiast, their latest acquisition, an Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik (HAC) shelf clock, is no exception. This English time and strike clock was purchased during the festive season of 2020, found on the Ottawa Facebook Marketplace.
The Hamburg American Clock Company, established in Germany in 1883, gained a notable reputation as a German clockmaker serving both its native market and international collectors. Known for producing affordable yet quality clocks, HAC served as a bridge between Germany’s traditional clockmaking and the American market, reflected in the company's name.
This particular HAC mantel clock features an 8-day countwheel strike movement, a design widely used in American clocks of the period. The countwheel strike mechanism determines the number of strikes corresponding to the hour, and this clock's movement requires winding roughly every eight days.
One of the clock's most distinctive features is its American-style attachments. The company used design principles common in American clocks, such as the countwheel strike movement, rather than the more complex rack-and-snail striking used by traditional German clocks. The simpler, practical designs favoring the "box clock" style, which became popular after World War I, are also evident in this clock's case and mounting hardware.
The trademark hallmark of HAC clocks can be seen on the dial or within the case, often carrying the name "Hamburg American Clock Co." or "HAC." Some clocks might also include German inscriptions or marks linking them to the Hamburg area. The presence of American-style attachments and movement styles serves as a trademark characterizing the brand’s designs.
The current owner, a frequent follower of online for-sale and estate auction sites, has a collection that spans German clockmakers such as Junghans, Mauthe, Hermle, Jauch, Gufa, and others. This acquisition marks the first HAC clock in their collection.
Though the dial face appears worn, the movement of the clock works smoothly. The owner has adopted a one-in, one-out policy for their clock acquisitions, having sold a few clocks locally in the past year to trim down their collection. This latest addition to the collection will undoubtedly find a cherished place in their home, adding to the historical significance of bridging German craftsmanship and American clockmaking technology.
The current owner, with a collection that incorporates renowned German clockmakers like Junghans, Mauthe, Hermle, Jauch, Gufa, and others, has just acquired an HAC clock, marking the first of its kind in their collection. This new addition, a vintage HAC shelf clock, will not only add a cherished piece to their home but also symbolize the historical bridge between German craftsmanship and American clockmaking technology, blending tradition with smart-home-devices and gadgets of the modern era, all under the umbrella of technology.
