Posted 9 years ago
StillLearn…
(28 items)
Trying to figure a couple of things out on this clock - Appears to be a 1914 Utopia. However, the bejeweled face and bejeweled pendulum do not match the 1914 Utopia catalog. In looking at some of the 1905 catalog images, the bejeweled face and pendulum appear on some of those earlier models, however, I could not find a "Utopia" Model in the 1905 catalog.
I can assure you, this clock is original and has not been tampered with.
My question I guess would be, were the Utopias made prior to 1914 possibly with this face and pendulum? I have been told that this clock is a 1914 model and could possibly have been a special order, to have the different face and pendulum.
Any information would be appreciated!!
What a beauty. My reference "TD Ly" only shows the 1914 catalog illustration. I have seen several examples of the Ansonia "Prism" with the jeweled Bezel and Pendulum. I've seen illustrations of the "Sceptre, Dauphin, too with this type of option, so it is definitely something that Ansonia provided with at least some of their Crystal Regulators. (See this 1905 online catalog: http://www.antiqueansoniaclocks.com/ansoniaregulators.php Note there are no Utopias in this catalog reproduction. Here's a Prism with the jeweled bezel and pendulum http://www.antiqueansoniaclocks.com/Ansonia-Model-0779.php )
I can't imagine anyone messing around with the originality of a Utopia and if I were going to make a reproduction, I would make it look like a commonly found example. Yours looks age appropriate to me. If the columns are sharply cut glass I think there is no reason to doubt whether it is original. As much as these clocks cost originally, I imagine the buyer could request the jeweled bezel and pendulum. It wouldn't be that difficult to do. A clock shop or dealer could probably order the parts from Ansonia if not the entire clock.
Thank you Bruce99, appreciate you. This is a family clock, has been in the family since 1914 and sat on the same mantle for 100 years, so I know it's original and has not been compromised. I know Ansonia dates back to the mid 1800's or so, was just wondering could the Utopia have been a previous model, then re-introduced in 1914.
I see. I doubt it but I really can't say one way or the other. I do know that 1914 was kind of a high-water mark for Ansonia. They had over 450 different models that were offered to the public during that year. That was up from 228 in 1886. (Ref: http://www.clockguy.com/SiteRelated/SiteReferencePages/AnsoniaHistory.html)
Without access to their catalogs, I'm not sure how one could find out and a negative would be harder to determine without complete records.
If other collectors here can't help, you might want to pose your question over at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors message board. http://mb.nawcc.org/ I think that the "Clocks General" Forum would be your best bet.
Good luck with your research. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful heirloom. It's a rare clock to begin with and I've never seen it with the jeweled bezel and pendulum before. :)
Thank you so much -- I will continue my quest! I actually have a friend that is an NAWCC member; I may get him to pose the question for me. Until then, I am stumped but will go with it being a 1914 Utopia special order.
I'd like to thank all for "loving" and looking; I am still trying to learn the proper etiquette of this site - I'd welcome any advice in that regard. I've only been on here a short time and enjoy it immensely - everyone is so very nice and knowledgeable; and the collections are beautiful. Please be patient with me.
Officialfuel, thank you.
Radegunder, thank you!
Wonderful clock! Love it...
toolate2, appreciate the nice comment and the love, thank you very much. Thanks to spiritbear and moonhill for the love also, appreciate you taking the time to look and love!