The Ansonia Earl, an American Mantel clock produced in 1914 and featured in Tran Du Ly’s Ansonia clock catalog of 1914-15, is possibly the rarest Ansonia Crystal Regulator American Mantel Clock of today. Further, when new, this American antique clock sold for almost double the bottom-of-the-line Ansonia Crystal Regulators.
The face of this vintage beauty has Arabic numeral markers on a white porcelain dial. This is a stunning-looking antique shelf clock with enameled Roman numeral dial. This is a three-piece American mantel clock with urns. But I do not know of another in existence beyond my own. It is gilt brass, porcelain, and crystal. It boasts a painted porcelain dial with a faux mercury pendulum but possesses an actual mercury filling when new. It is an 8-day time and strike movement. The dimensions are 13 x 7 x 6 in.
One thing that you will quickly notice about the Ansonia Earl is that it moved away from the earlier in the century Art Nouveau tradition, with its flowering and flowing flair, in favor of Ansonia’s adaptation of more modern lines as The Ansonia Clock Company headed into the Art Deco Period. The flowing lines and heavy embellishments of the past were now gone when they produced The Earl.
The Ansonia Earl Crystal Regulator also had an almost twin: the Ansonia Emperor Crystal Regulator. The only difference between the two was that the Earl stayed with the older style of the Rococo plaques, while Ansonia opted for a look of Cloisonne inlay with the Emperor. The only problem, should that even be one, is that they utilized colored metal inserts rather than tiny shards of glass, which typifies the process.
WHY IS THIS AMERICAN MANTEL CLOCK SO UNIQUE?
Ansonia American antique clocks, vintage timepieces, unique clock features, Ansonia Earl craftsmanship, and Ansonia clocks’ history. My style is always to seek the “top of the mountain” or the “top of the line” when it comes to American clocks in particular, unlike many big French names of the famous clockmaker Leroy, Berthold, Raingo, etc.
American antique clocks are more affordably priced and quite dependable. Therefore, when I look to purchase an American antique clock, I am seeking the best in both the clock’s stature among collectors and its condition. Another factor I incorporate in my purchases is that I do not buy wooden clocks, marble bases, or grandfather clocks. To me, as well, Ansonia is the top of the line in American antique clocks.
THE ANSONIA EARL’S FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Ansonia Earl features the specifications of Ansonia clocks and design elements of other models but with lesser visual impact due to having less trim. This is like an American car, where, over the years, the lesser versions have had less chrome. Mechanically, they are all the same, which is why they are so dependable. The superb craftsmanship of the Ansonia Clock Company employees didn’t hurt either.
CONSIDERING AN AMERICAN MANTEL CLOCK, WHY THE EARL?
Investing in antiques, value appreciation over time, the benefits of collecting vintage mantel clocks, and maintaining your collection’s worth can be critical to most of us. Therefore, whether you are investing in the stock market or buying an antique clock, try to buy the best.
The reason for acquiring antique clocks in such a specific fashion is that as the years pass, those are the ones that will gain the most value, and should you not have anyone to leave your treasures to or want to bequest them with cash. You can liquidate These types of vintage clocks for the best price.
CARING FOR YOUR AMERICAN ANTIQUE CLOCK, LIKE THE EARL
Clock maintenance tips, how to clean an antique clock, preserving vintage timepieces, expert care for mechanical clocks. Many American antique clocks have a light varnish on the case, especially from this period. When you find one in that state, and the shine is bright, DO NOT clean it with brass polish, anymore than you would use it on gilding or gold plating. IT WILL REMOVE IT. A soft dust mop and after a soft dry cloth is it it needs.
Another thing to note, is never to attempt to move the minute hand counter-clockwise on your American Antique Clock, as you will damage the mechanism. It is OK to adjust the hour hand in that fashion, should you need to move it so as to reflect the chiming.
CONSLUSION: Elevate Your Collection with the Timeless Charm of An Ansonia Antique Mantel Clock
