Posted 11 years ago
superwoman
(1 item)
Trying to find out a little bit of history name of clock details this is a very heavy mantle clock black/white marble and cast iron is this an antique model made in the usa any info would be great. Thanks Dianne
is it fully marble or cast iron with marble inserts or veneered ?
Hello Superwoman/Dianne. Welcome to the C.W. Your Ansonia model is the "El Rey" (also known as their model 3885) from circa 1901. Yours has the open escapement which collectors love to see. The clock originally retailed for $24.00 in 1901 which would be roughly the equivalent of $675 in 2014. Most recently an example in excellent condition was appraised at $375 by Tran Duy Ly in 2004. This model doesn't seem to show up very often at auction, but I can't say whether or not it is rare. Hope that helps solve your mystery. If so, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your posting. If not, please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for sharing your antique marble clock.
Regarding the history of the Ansonia Clock Company, try here: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/clocks/ansonia
It's a good, concise summary.
Thanks bruce99 for your information well pleased I know out the background now, it was a clock given to me that was being discarded as they were doing house clearance but I thought it maybe antique and hung on to it so glad I found this site to help me. Dianne
I'm glad you rescued it Dianne. I think it's a beautiful example to have in just about any home. It's a nice decorative piece as is. If it runs, it has a distinctive presence that will be seen and heard. Judging from the wound state of the mainsprings it looks like it may not be striking, or, someone just wound one side. If you have any questions, please let us know. There are a lot of knowledgeable antique clock collectors around to help.