Posted 9 years ago
curiousrick
(1 item)
My wife got this from her mother who in turn got it from her mothers brother when he was 90. It has been sitting in our curio cabinet for as long as I can remember. Can't seem to find much information on it...It is beautiful and keeps good time when I wind it. Any info or a point in the right direction would be nice.
sure would like to learn more about this clock...we just love it...
It is definitely an Ansonia - just don't know what "model". It is beautiful, if you google Ansonia, there are some helpful sites available - I just don't have the links handy.
http://www.antiqueansoniaclocks.com may get you started!
On ^ website, there is a "Porcelain Regulator #5" that looks similar to yours, although the color is different; perhaps one was able to order in pink. I'm certain some of the members here will be able to help you!
WOW!!! THAT WAS QUICK!!! A FEW MORE PARTICULARS PLEASE!!!!!
THANX A TON...
The one I looked at was a different color and was a 1905 model. Again, I didn't see your exact clock, as the one I mentioned was green. If yours is an original, and was available in pink, then I'd say you have quite a treasure. Visit the website I mentioned, it will give you more info on the clock, as well as the history of the Ansonia Clock Company.
Just be aware, I've heard these clocks are "copied" and reproduced. However, given your story, yours could very well be original.
As StillLearning has pointed out, you have an Ansonia Crystal Regulator No. 5. They came in a wide variety of colors. The case is made of Royal Bonn porcelain. That was Ansonia's top of the line, high quality porcelain. It is highly sought after by collectors of Ansonia Porcelain Clocks. Circa is around 1906 give or take a few years. I could be wrong, but to me your clock's pendulum looks like it may be a replacement. Notice how shiny bright it is compared to the rest of the brass? The original was probably a little more ornate too. It's your family's heirloom so you know about the history of care it received, I don't. Here's a photo of one with the more ornate pendulum: https://p2.liveauctioneers.com/241/12277/3347873_1_l.jpg
Ansonia had a series of Porcelain Crystal Regulations named No.1 through No. 8 I haven't seen many No. 5, No. 7 or No. 8 on the market that often.
In my reference, the 1906 Ansonia Catalog the clock listed for $40 with an optional Jeweled Sash and Pendulum for an additional $4.20. So, adjusted for inflation the clock sold for about $1,040 2014 dollars. In excellent original condition these clocks can easily sell for $1,750 (give or take $250) at auction. Probably significantly more from an antique dealer.
Hope that solves your mystery. If so, please indicate "Mystery Solved" in your posting. If not, let us know what other questions you may have.
Another beautiful clock. Thanks for sharing your family heirloom with us. :)
knowing uncle CJ, he would not spend more than he had to for anything, lol ...I added two more pics #3 is the bottom showing a #5 and a stamping that's not completely readable. Pic#4 is a better pic of the pendulum all colors look the same to me...hope these help...I have one more photo that has some numbers hand painted on the bottom I can delete one and post it if it will help ? thanx for sharing your expert knowledge and keen eye...I almost have a complete story to share with the kids :)
pic #4 now shows #'s on bottom...all thanx again
Not sure what the hand painted notation is for. I believe that the impressed "5" and round seal refers to the model number and the Royal Bonn mark. Some of Ansonia's Royal Bonn Porcelain Clocks had it spelled out on the back of the case. These Crystal Regulator No.'s 1 through 8 had the mark. See image 4/5-05 on this webpage: http://www.porcelainmarksandmore.com/germany/northrhine/poppelsdorf-02/index.php
Regarding the pendulum, if you have no reason to believe that it has been replaced then it may not have been. I have come to expect the more ornate pendulums on these models because that is what is illustrated in their catalogs and mostly what I see in the market. I have seen one or two with the kind of pendulum your clock has. I assumed they were replacements, but perhaps not.
In any case, it's a lovely example.
Wowzer... another piece of the puzzle...all this in one day...awesomeness...all that's left now is the mystery of the numbers...I saw them on several of the pics on that page...again, thanx for all of your amazing help, and kind words about the clock I can honestly see uncle CJ being that thrifty...if you didn't him...you would never know he owned the whole town!!!lol
What numbers and what page are you talking about? If you are talking about the handwritten markings in your fourth photo those may have been added by a worker at the Royal Bonn factory or anyone of a number of folks involved in the manufacture (or even the maintenance) of this clock. I have a Crystal Regulator No. 4 in excellent original condition and it doesn't have any evidence of the numbers which happen to be on your clock. Maybe your uncle CJ put them there. At any rate, good luck solving your mystery numbers.
Bruce99, I slept on your last comment about the numbers...another example of my set of numbers is shown in pic. 5-12 on the page you directed me to for the porcelain. I am not the one with knowledge here, only a grateful student, but I believe you are correct in the assumption that these numbers are a "makers mark" from a factory worker. I wonder what it's purpose was? and P.S. I found a #3,4,5,&6 going to auction at the end of this month. Again thanx for you guys sharing you knowledge, I too love history as I was born and raised in the historic holy city...Charleston,S.C. ...God bless everyone !
I think that if the numbers are fired into the porcelain/glaze that would pretty much seal the deal as far as it being some type of notation from the porcelain worker/maker/manufacturer. What do they mean? My guess would be some kind of lot tracking for their book keeping purposes but I have no way of knowing for sure. As demonstrated by the numerous examples in the webpage you reference, one doesn't find them on all examples so it probably wasn't a standard company wide procedure/process. For what's it's worth, that's my guess. Regards.
Looks like we're back to unsolved? Good luck and let us know what you find out.
will do...the box at the top of this page said "err mark as unsolved", thought that was strange??? I am very satisfied... thanx again guys...
That is strange. Maybe they've been having some problems with the website lately. It's usually a very stable site. I've been here on and off for about five years now and can not remember a time when I couldn't get on and signed in. I found another clock like your heirloom. This one sold at auction back in May of 2015 for about $1,600 with Buyer's Premium. Here's a link to the listing: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/36135977_ansonia-china-crystal-regulator It has a good photo of the ornate pendulum I mentioned earlier in your posting. Stay curious Rick. :) Regards
Bruce99...you are the MAN!!! thanx for the info...I must say...I think mine looks nicer!!! lol