Ansonia Mantle Clock model | ||
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Posted 9 years ago
floridafun
(1 item)
Hello,
I just recently purchased this clock and would like to know if anyone can tell me the model and circa? thanks
Plus is there a way to clean/polish it? and is there a way to clean the porcelain face?
thanks
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Looks around the turn of the century, unfortunately I do not have my Ansonia book anymore. Maybe the library can order you one from one of their affiliates.
Use a furniture oil clear or stained (for scratches) which you can pick up anywhere.
What is the clock case made from? Is it cast iron or marble? Are you showing the entire case? It looks like there may be more on the top of the clock.
Thank you bladerunner22 and bruce99 for the info.
I am showing the entire case. I assume that it is out of marble, I will try a magnet on it this evening.
OR likely slate.
Unless I've missed it, Tran Duy Ly's Ansonia Reference doesn't show this model. It's very similar to some of the Marble Cased Clocks in the "El ____" series such as the El Rey see: http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/123298-ansonia-marble-and-cast-iron-mantle-cloc . I suspect that your clock is probably circa 1900 just because of its similarities with other models, but it's not an exact match to anything I've run across.
If it is Enameled Cast Iron, you can clean it and wax it and treat it like a car's finish. Nothing too harsh or abrasive. Whatever you do, don't repaint it.
If it is marble, clean it accordingly. There are a lot of online references regarding the proper cleaning and finishing of marble. Some recommend the use of baking soda or caulk to polish it *after* you've carefully cleaned and removed surface dirt and abrasive. That's likely to be a long and somewhat tedious process on antique marble (especially if it hasn't been well maintained). Sometimes you can "refinish" black marble by carefully cleaning it and then applying black shoe polish. It's really black wax. It can improve the color and appearance of a "hazy" black marble finish while not doing anything which is irreversible to it. The bottom line is that it will take a lot of work to restore the finish. Use Q-Tips to get into all the little nooks and crannies. See: http://mb.nawcc.org/archive/index.php/t-15241.html
Good luck and thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks for the awesome information Bruce99. The movement has a stamp with 1882 on it. Is it a bad thing to have one that doesn't show up in any of the searches?
I have a kind of stupid question. how will I be able to tell about the marble vs enameled cast iron. I am leaning towards marble. But want to make sure I am right. I paid $180 for it and it is in working condition. I don't know if I paid too much or not.
You're very welcome floridafun land *NO*, there's nothing wrong with having a so-called "Unlisted" model. Even the most comprehensive references don't have all of the models a manufacturer offered. Tran Duy Ly, one of the best references available, compiled his book from catalogs offered by the manufacturer. He also worked with Auction Houses and prominent collectors. When you think of the thousands upon thousands of clocks offered to the public over the centuries, as you can imagine, it can be very difficult to identify a model and "circas" may be a matter of style of the case such as 'Art Deco'. As you mention, patent numbers can also help. At the very least they identify the earliest a clock might have been manufactured. Often a company used a well designed movement for many years so the clock may have been manufactured long after a patent was issued for its movement design.
Not a stupid question at all. You mentioned use of a magnet earlier. That would be a good method to identify a cast iron case. Also, if you can look inside of case, you can often get a good idea of what it was made of. Marble, or similar stone will have thicker sides. The "veneers" of stone are held in place with a thick plaster binder which makes up a large portion of the case. Cast Iron will have thinner walls. If you see any signs of rust or corrosion that would be a dead give away too. Both are often very heavy. Be careful how you transport the clock. Never lift or carry it by the top. Always get your fingers below the base *especially* if it's marble. The top might come lose due to the weight and the bottom half of the clock go crashing to the floor.
Condition is extremely important for any antique. I think you did well for a genuine original antique clock in complete, good running order. You like and value the clock. I think you got a good, and certainly a fair market price for it.
Here is a link to eBay "sold" listings for Ansonia Cast Iron Clocks sorted by descending prices:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=17331&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=ansonia+iron+clock&_sop=16
Here is one for Marble (or similar materials): http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sadis=15&_dmd=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_ipg=200&_stpos=17331&_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=ansonia+marble+clock&_sop=3
Even though we haven't "solved" your mystery I think the Collector Community here has offered some good information and useful info to go forward with. Stay tuned, perhaps another collector will be able to help you identify the model.
Welcome to Collectors Weekly and thanks again for sharing your 'new' antique clock with us! If it's collectible, chances are good you'll find fellow collectors with similar interests here...and loads of good information too! Hope to see you around. :)