Posted 3 years ago
Pastperfect1
(1 item)
My mom just gave this to my 13 yr old to keep or sell (he collects all sorts of antiques). It doesn't wind up as it should. Someone gave this to my mom, so she was not able to provide insight.
Any idea the age/model of this Ansonia Clock? | ||
| Ansonia Clocks22 of 181 |  |  |
Pastperfect1, Beautiful. :-)
You're allowed up to four pictures per post, so perhaps you could add two more. One of the outside of the back, and one with the rear access door open (there are probably patent numbers inside).
Also, in order to get your second picture to orient properly, edit it on your local device. Just trim the long sides of the rectangular image a tiny bit, then edit your post, replacing the current version with the edited one (the CW S&T software tends not to play nicely with all makes and models of digital cameras, especially ones installed in phones and tablets).
Ansonia seems to have made quite a few mantle clocks with lion handles, but I haven't found one exactly like yours yet.
About Ansonia:
http://www.antiqueansoniaclocks.com/ansonia-clock-history.php
Here's a similar one:
*snip*
All original Ansonia Mantel Clock that is decorated with brass colored lion’s heads on either end of the cast iron clock case. The lion’s have brass colored rings hanging from out of their mouths, and notice that the entire clock is supported on four detailed lion paws with claws. The clock is all complete with the winding key and pendulum. Clock is in working order when I purchased it. Sometimes clocks will need to be adjusted after hauling and or shipping. The backside of the clock mechanism is marked with the following information: ‘Ansonia Clock Co. – New York, U.S.A. – Patented June 14, 1881 & Patented June 13, 1882’ – 5 1/2?. The clock case measures 12 1/2? wide by 10 1/2? high, and 5? deep. The face of the clock measures 5 1/2? in diameter.
*snip*
https://www.bargainjohn.com/product/ansonia-mantel-clock-lion-face-claws/
A lot of listings for similar Ansonia iron mantle clocks make reference to a pendulum. Did yours come with a pendulum?
OK, I was mystified by the pendulum reference for a clock of this style, but I found a video that shows it:
Setting up your Antique mantle clock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV1B8BanxAU
Hi Pastperfect1,
Welcome to Collectorsweekly, Clocks.
It looks to me like you have an Ansonia Enameled Iron case model called the "La Duchesse" around the 1880's. Yours seems to have been a little gussied up with contemporary gold colored paint. The simulated marble has been painted over with some type of off-white paint as well. The flat top of this mantel clock invited the owner to purchase one of Ansonia's little "Toppers" or Statuettes to customize the clock to the owner's taste. Here's another example of this model: http://pics.clockprices.com/20201026/90444514_1_x.jpg
You can find more with a search using "Ansonia La Duchesse" key words.
Although you'll get many hits, know that some of the examples returned will be mis-identified.
The keys that you're showing in your photos are probably not sized correctly and this clock should have a double-ended key like the one demonstrated in the video that keramikos provided you a link to. It's a good video.
You can find a double-ended Ansonia "Trade" key on eBay which should work. I think their size is 6/3-0, but I'm not certain about your clock. I'm pretty sure that an 8 is too large and probably has a sloppy fit. You can test that out before ordering a new key of course. The key should slip over the winding arbors easily but with very little "slop". If a key is too loose it can round the corners of the winding arbors and create problems which will probably need to be properly addressed down the road.
You said that it doesn't wind as it should. Can you go into more details? Again the video link above can help.
Thanks for sharing your heirloom clock with us.
Bruce
If you need a new key, don't overpay some of the prices you'll find on eBay.
Here's a good example of one: https://timesavers.com/i-8948353-6-000-brass-ansonia-double-end-trademark-key.html
While it lists for just $5.00, they have a small order fee and then there is shipping/handling, so you'd probably end up spending two or three times that much. If you live close to a good clock shop, I'm sure they could sell you a proper key for your clock. They could also look at it to evaluate it's current running condition. That's always a good idea with an antique, spring powered mechanical clock...if you intend to operate it.
Good luck,
Bruce
Bruce99, Thank you for looking into this one, and giving such detailed advice. :-)
This one intrigued me because of the 'hidden' pendulum, which turned out not to be an uncommon feature in small mantle clocks. Previously, it had never occurred to me that a small mantle clock like this would even have a pendulum.
I kept seeing pendulum references in the listings, and even pictures of the pendulums, but the pictures were always of the pendulums removed from the clock.
It was that video that finally clued me in about where the pendulum is installed. };-)
Here's a picture of one at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors forum with the same face, plus a picture of a drawing of La Duchesse from Tran Duy Ly's book (unfortunately, you can't expand the pictures without an account):
*snip*
Ansonia La Duchesse as illustrated in Tran Duy Ly's Ansonia Clocks and Watches, p. 277. I am attaching a photostat from his book and a photo of a La Duchesse that I restored a few years ago. Upon taking the case apart, I discovered that in back of the four side pieces there was evidence of a red and gold design that my wife then duplicated.
*snip*
https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/my-first-ansonia.52994/#post-390730
Thank you keramikos! It's really good to have your energy, enthusiasm and accuracy on board to help folks solve their clock mysteries! Speaking of which, Pastperfect1, if we've solved your mystery, please check that little box in your listing to indicate "Mystery Solved". We like to collect those around here! :)
Bruce99, Thanks, but I know so little about vintage clocks that I didn't even know about pendulums installed in the back of mantle clocks until I watched that video. >8-0
Let's hope that your expert advice about keys solves the problem for Pastperfect1 -- and that they change the status of the post to Mystery Solved. :-)
Yeah, it's kind of nice when strangers say "Thanks" and follow-up with a "Mystery Solved". A lot of folks don't bother once they get the information they were looking for. Life goes on.
Bruce99, As you say, life goes on. };-)
Thank you for all of the feedback. I will have my son look online for the keys. I should have realized, but sadly, someone prior to us painted it. It is still a nice piece, but unfortunate that they painted it.
Thanks again for all of the helpful feedback. And I noticed some comments about my lack of response - our other son is leaving for college, so I'm juggling a lot at the moment. But this group is incredibly hepful!
Pastperfect1, You're welcome. :-)
Thank you for responding, and changing the status of your post to Mystery Solved.
Getting children ready for leaving home can be challenging, because they want to be independent adults, but they don't always realize all of the responsibilities that go with that. };-)
I've been posting on this platform for quite some time and my remarks weren't directed specifically at you. I was really talking to keramikos in general, from experience, to give him some idea of what to expect as he spends time helping folks. Time is precious and most of us have other things going on.
Having said that, yes you're very welcome. I'm happy we were able to help you. There are thousands upon thousands of clock models out there and we can't help everyone.
And you're right keramikos, children are often in such a rush to be considered grown by there peers that it takes decades for them to appreciate what a parent or parents have done. Just human nature and hormones I suppose. :)