Ansonia Cabinet Clocks

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Ansonia Cabinet Clocks

Company Background

The Ansonia Clock Company was a clock manufacturing business founded in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and which moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878. The company has produced hundreds of different clock models, including Gingerbread, Porcelain, and Crystal Regulator styles.

Ansonia produced crystal regulator clocks, statue shelf clocks, bedside alarm clocks, clocks under glass domes, mantel clocks with cases made from iron and other metals, calendar shelf clocks, mahogany cased cabinet clocks, steeple clocks, shelf clocks with oak or walnut cases and a wide range of novelty shelf and wall clocks.

The Cabinet Clock Category

Cabinet clocks were a distinctive style of shelf/mantel clock produced by Ansonia, particularly during the late 19th century. They represented a more substantial and furniture-like approach to clock design compared to simpler shelf clocks.

Production Period

The peak period for Ansonia cabinet clocks was approximately 1880-1920, with particular emphasis on the 1890s through the 1910s.

Named Cabinet Clock Models

Ansonia produced several specifically named cabinet models, each with distinct characteristics:

Cabinet A, D, E, and F (1890s)

Ansonia produced several specific cabinet models including 'Cabinet E' plush cabinet mantel clock with oak case and ornate brass mounts (circa 1894, 47 cm high), 'Cabinet A' plush cabinet mantel clock with oak case and ornate brass mounts (circa 1894, 49 cm high), 'Cabinet F' plush cabinet mantel clock with oak case and ornate brass mounts (circa 1894, 47 cm high), and 'Cabinet D' plush cabinet mantel clock with oak case and ornate brass mounts (circa 1892, 58 cm high).

Characteristics of Ansonia Cabinet Clocks

Case Materials and Construction

Primary Woods:

• Oak (most common)
• Walnut
• Mahogany
• Pressed oak (later production)

Distinctive Features:

• Substantial, furniture-quality cases
• Ornate brass mounts and decorative elements
• Fluted turned columns, often with decorative capitals
• Lion's head ornamental decorations (on some models)
• Rich, warm finishes highlighting wood grain

Size Range

Cabinet clocks were typically substantial pieces:

• Heights: Generally 40-60 cm (approximately 16-24 inches)
• Width: Proportional to height, creating impressive presence
• Depth: Typically 4-5 inches

Glass Work

• Beveled glass doors (on finer models)
• Lower glass panels often featured etched designs
• Floral and geometric motifs common
• Some models had plain glass

Dial Characteristics

• White porcelain or painted metal dials
• Roman numerals (most common)
• Clean, well-preserved appearance typical of quality
• Original dials highly valued by collectors

Movements

Standard Features:

• 8-day time and strike movements (most common)
• Hour and half-hour striking on wire gong
• Spring-driven mechanisms
• Quality brass movements
• Some models featured visible escapements

Decorative Elements

Architectural Details:

• Corinthian or other classical column styles
• Carved pediments and crestings
• Turned finials
• Applied decorative moldings
• Brass hardware and escutcheons

Specific Popular Models

The "King" Model

The Ansonia "King" model clock featured a solid oak case with warm, rich finish highlighting intricate wood grain. Fluted turned columns with ornamental lion's head decorations flanked the front. The Roman numeral dial was framed by original beveled glass door, with lower glass panel decorated with etched floral and geometric motif. It was powered by 8-day time and strike movement chiming hours and half-hours on resonant gong, standing approximately 23.5 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide, and 4.75 inches deep.

The Ansonia 'King' 8 day time and strike parlour clock (circa 1880) was often referred to as a 'Flour' clock in Australia as it was often given as an incentive for people to purchase larger quantities of flour from certain millers, standing 60 cm high.

Other Notable Cabinet Models

The 'Sydney' 8 day time and strike mantel clock featured original cameo portrait pendulum with ash and black trim case (circa 1882, 56.5 cm). The 'Windsor' 8 day time and strike shelf clock had original glass and walnut case (circa 1880, 54.5 cm high). The 'Trumph' 8 day time and strike shelf clock came in walnut case (circa 1880, 61 cm high).

The 'Versailles' 8 day time and strike cabinet clock featured rich gold cast metal finish and pictorial porcelain panel with diamante bezel (circa 1915, 37 cm high).

Quality and Craftsmanship

Authentic Ansonia clocks often have cases made from high-quality materials such as wood, marble, or metal. Ansonia clocks typically have high-quality brass movements with intricate designs and markings. Look for the "Ansonia" name or logo on the movement itself.

The clocks of the Ansonia Clock company, one of the foremost 19th century American clock manufacturers, are known all over the world for their style and craftsmanship.

Historical Context

Manufacturing Evolution

Early Ansonia clocks (1854-1856) featured old-style OG movements that were spring driven in American versions of Anglo-American clock cases. The mechanisms were held at top and bottom by pieces of wood that were slit so the back plate of the timepiece slides into the slits, then screwed to the backboard just like OG design clocks.

Peak Production

The 1880 catalog shows the following types of clocks: tin can alarm, novelty, carriage, black enameled iron, statues, swing, walnut parlor and kitchen, misc. wood case shelf, OG, crystal palace, wood case pendulum wall, octagon lever wall, regulators, street & tower.

By 1886, the company had sales offices in New York, Chicago and London, and more than 225 different clock models were being manufactured. In 1904, Ansonia added non-jeweled watches to their line. In early 1914, just before World War I, Ansonia was producing 440 different models.

Collecting Today

Identification

Serial numbers and markings can provide valuable insights into an Ansonia clock's authenticity and history. Start by examining any markings on the clock's movement. Look for serial numbers or other identifying information. Additionally, check for any labels or stamps inside the clock case that indicate its origin or manufacturing date.

Value Factors

Factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and market trends all play a role in determining worth. The value of antique clocks can fluctuate over time due to factors such as changing tastes, collector demand, or historical significance.

Collector Appeal

Millions of Ansonia clocks in hundreds of styles were made over the life of the company. Ansonia clocks are very popular with collectors, but with millions having been produced many clocks are quite accessible.

Summary

Ansonia cabinet clocks represent some of the finest American mantel clock production from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Characterized by their substantial oak or walnut cases, ornate brass decorations, quality 8-day movements, and furniture-like appearance, they were designed to be impressive centerpieces in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Models like the "King," "Sydney," and various lettered Cabinet series (A, D, E, F) showcased the company's commitment to combining functionality with decorative appeal. Today, they remain highly collectible for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and enduring beauty.