‘Hildebrand Hildebrand’ Clock
Hildebrand Clock no. 427, 1876 (MC0240)
This clock was originally owned by the Froese family. They likely came to Canada from Russia in the 1870s and then moved to Mexico around the 1920s. They settled in a colony in the state of Chihuahua.
In the year 2000, the Froese family was preparing to immigrate to Bolivia. Their colony in Mexico was being modernised with electrical power, and they believed that this was too worldly. They were selling their possessions before they moved, and sold their clock to a man from Winkler, Manitoba, Canada, who brought it home. He contacted Arthur Kroeger to let him know it was for sale. In turn, Arthur contacted a descendant of Kornelius Hildebrand, who had been seeking a Hildebrand clock and is now the current owner.
Description Thirty-hour wall clock with pendulum and weight-driven movement, made by Kornelius Hildebrand (1833–1920) in Chortitza, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), in 1876, serial number 427. Arched dial with a raised chapter ring is white with a single dark border around the perimeter. Arch has two decals of roses surrounded by greenery side-by-side, with a gold scroll decal below. Spandrels are decals of a rose with two rosebuds and greenery. Chapter ring is white with a black inner and outer border and black Roman numerals. Inside the chapter ring, on either side of the hand, are two oval wreath decals with blue and yellow flowers. One hand; chain drive; two weights.
Mennonite Clock Number MC0240
Object Name Hildebrand Clock
Serial Number 427
Date Created 1876
Location Made Chortitza, Chortitza Colony, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)
Other Markings N 427 K. HDB 1876 (stamped on hour wheel)
Movement Type Iron plate
Owner Private Owner