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Ansonia's Enameled Iron Clocks
Historical Background and Purpose
Ansonia made extensive lines of enameled iron clocks with cast-iron cases painted shiny black to imitate expensive French black slate clocks at prices the average person could afford.
These clocks were primarily produced from approximately 1880-1920, with peak production in the 1890s-1910s.
Case Construction and Materials
Cast Iron Construction
This heavy Ansonia mantel clock has a cast iron case with a glossy black enamel finish.
This Ansonia mantel clock has a black enameled iron case, and was made around 1890 – 1910.
Weight
These clocks are notably heavy due to the cast iron construction. The clock is heavy and is 13 7/8 inches wide and 9 3/4 inches tall.
Finish
- Glossy black enamel - The primary finish imitating French slate
- Gilt (gold) accents - Incised filigree patterns, scrollwork, and decorative elements
- Verde bronze trim - Green-bronze colored decorative elements on some models
Size Range
Typical dimensions for Ansonia enameled iron clocks:
- Height: 10-12.5 inches (most common range)
- Width: 9.5-18 inches (depending on model)
- Depth: 4.5-8.5 inches
Size is 18" wide, 8.5" deep and 11.5" tall. (for larger dragon model)
Decorative Features
Ornamental Elements
- Gilt filigree work - Incised patterns with gold highlighting
- Classical motifs - Columns, scrolls, acanthus leaves
- Figurative elements - Dragons, lions, classical busts, winged putti (cherubs)
- Architectural details - Pediments, corbels, molded bases
- Animal decorations - Lion head ring handles, buffalo heads, dog heads, paw feet
- Portrait medallions - Molded profiles of classical or French figures
Faux Materials
Black w/ faux marble columns; T&S w/ porcelain dial; lion ring handles; metal paw feet and column mounts.
Some models incorporated actual marble inserts alongside the cast iron.
Dial Characteristics
Dial Types
Copper enameled dial.
The paper dial has a 4 13/16 inch minute track.
Common dial types included:
- Porcelain dials - White with Roman numerals (most common)
- Paper dials - Less expensive, with decorative borders
- Metal dials - With fancy sash or filigreed centers
- Open escapement dials - Showing the visible Brocot escapement
Dial Sizes
Typical dial dimensions:
- Minute track: 4 1/4" to 5 1/2" outside diameter
- Minute hand length: 2 to 2 3/16 inches
Numerals and Hands
- Roman numerals (most common)
- Arabic numerals (less common)
- Decorative hands - Often spade-shaped or ornate designs
- Blued steel hands - Originally blue-finished (often polished off by later repairers)
Glass Features
Thick flat front bevelled glass.
- Beveled glass fronts (on finer models)
- Convex glass (on some models)
- Glass domes covering the dial (on certain styles)
Movement Characteristics
The "Four Pillar" Movement
Ansonia's 4 pillar 8-day time and strike movement with thin mainsprings.
This reliable movement was used in many Ansonia mantel clocks.
Unique Mainspring Specifications
CRITICAL CHARACTERISTIC:
This Ansonia movement uses thin mainsprings, about 0.0145 inch thick. DON'T use thicker springs in these clocks!
This clock has its original, thin mainsprings: both are 3/4 inch wide and 0.0155 inch thick.
Typical American antique clock mainsprings are 3/4″ wide and 0.016 to 0.018″ thick. These Ansonia mainsprings are so much thinner, yet run the clock well, with plenty of power (many American antique clocks with mainsprings are over-powered).
Escapement Types
Brocot Escapement (Visible):
It has a "Brocot" escapement visible in the dial. The Brocot escapement has half-round steel pins as the pallets, and thin pointed escape wheel teeth.
The Brocot escapement is nearly deadbeat (there is very slight recoil on the entrance pallet) and this adds efficiency to the time side of the clock.
Strike Mechanism
8-day movement that strikes the hours and half-hours on a "cathedral" coil gong.
Coil Spring Gong which Strikes Once on the Half Hour & the Correct Amount of times for the Hour.
- Bell strike (some models)
- Coil gong strike (most common)
- Hour and half-hour striking
Patent Dates
The movement has the patent date June 18, 1882; and I estimate it was made around 1885 to 1910.
Common patent dates found: 1881, 1882
Named Models
Known model names from Ansonia catalogs include:
Ansonia "Corinth": Black w/ verde bronze trim; 8 day; T&S; porcelain chapter ring; open escapement.
Ansonia "Vienna" Enameled Iron Case Clock: 8 day; 1/2 hour gong strike; T & S with marked porcelain double sunk Arabic numbered dial with visible escapement.
Ansonia "Naples" Enameled Iron Case Clock: The case is fancy and with a T & S movement; a painted tin dial with a filigreed center.
Other known models: "Ormonde," "Rosalind," "Pompei"
Winding and Operation
2x Winding Arbors on the Dial - LEFT turns right & RIGHT turns left.
- Two winding points on dial (time and strike)
- 8-day duration (most common)
- Spring-driven mechanism
- Adjustable pendulum for regulation
Condition Issues
Common Problems
Enamel finish on cast iron has some losses.
Typical condition issues include:
- Enamel paint loss or chipping
- Gilt decoration wear
- Missing or incorrect pendulums
- Missing keys
- Dial damage (chips in porcelain, fading in paper dials)
- Worn pivot holes requiring bushing
Restoration Considerations
The black enamel finish is difficult to restore authentically. Original finish with minor mars is often preferred by collectors over poorly executed repainting.
Market Values
This is an 1880s Ansonia of New York footed cast iron mantel clock with fancy dial and brass mounts, valued at $345.
Values vary considerably based on:
- Model complexity and decorative features
- Condition of case and enamel
- Dial condition
- Working order
- Presence of original pendulum and key
- Rarity of specific model
Summary
Ansonia enameled iron clocks are characterized by their heavy cast iron construction with glossy black enamel finish imitating expensive French slate clocks, gilt decorative elements, porcelain or paper dials (often with visible Brocot escapements), reliable four-pillar 8-day movements with uniquely thin mainsprings (0.0145" thick), and striking mechanisms on coil gongs. Produced primarily 1880-1920, they represented affordable elegance for middle-class Victorian homes and remain highly collectible today for their distinctive appearance and quality construction.
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