Posted 5 years ago
Yamaha
(1 item)
I dont know much about the clock, its fairly early I believe, Timber I think, it had a doomed glass over the face, chimed on the 1/4 half and 3/4 and struck on the hour, all worked when last wound
Early Ansonia clock New York clockco USA | ||
| Clocks652 of 3964 |  |  |
Hello Yamaha. Welcome to Collectors Weekly.
Why do you think this clock is called "Timber"? Is there a surviving original label on it somewhere?
I could certainly be wrong but I think you may have a model that Ansonia called the "Unique" from circa 188o.
Here's an example for comparison: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/74340_1697-ansonia-unique-mantel-clock-nr-met The years have not been too kind to that clock.
Here's one in much better condition: https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9886029761/m/2291029232?csra=Y&f=9886029761&a=tpc&m=2291029232&s=3206049661
As you can see, these clocks are quite beautiful when they are all cleaned, waxed and properly cared for.
If you have an Ansonia "Unique", it should measure 10 1/2 inches tall by 9 1/2 inches wide (at the base).
It should strike the number of hours at the top of the hour and strike just once on each half-hour. From your description it sounds like maybe the minute hand has been mounted 90 degrees counter-clockwise on the (square?) off of its proper orientation on the minute arbor. If the minute hand does have a square opening, it should be an easy fix to simply re-position it properly.
If you plan to run the clock, you may want to have a reliable clock shop look it over for you. At the very least, it could probably use a little oil. It may need more. The only way to know is to have someone who is knowledgeable examine it for you. Be careful winding it. Mainsprings in these mechanical clocks store a lot of energy. They can do some damage if the spring is suddenly released due to a faulty ratchet mechanism (or click).
Hope that solves your mystery. If so, please be so kind as to indicate "Mystery Solved" in your listing.
If you have more questions, ask away. There are a lot of very friendly and helpful Collectors on this site. Again, welcome.