Marquis Crystal Clock from Ansonia - a reader's timepiece
In the heart of the early 20th century, a treasure from the past was born. The Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator mantel clock, crafted in 1904, was originally priced at $40.00, equivalent to around $1,107.48 in today's dollars. This luxurious timepiece, with its quality movement enclosed within a beveled glass case and often adorned with crystal panels, was not inexpensive but was affordable to middle- or upper-middle-class households of the time.
Fast forward to the present day, and the clock found its way into the hands of reader Bob G., as part of a large collection from an estate. The clock, like many antiques, required a good cleaning to restore its former glory. The brass parts were run through an ultrasonic cleaner, polished, and the gold ornaments were left intact to preserve the rich patina.
The movement was also meticulously taken apart and cleaned. All the bushings and pivots were in good condition, but one of the jeweled pallets needed to be adjusted and reset with shellac.
The Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator mantel clock, with its eight-day time and strike mechanism, open escapement, jeweled pallets, porcelain dial, thick beveled glass, and brass bezel, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Ansonia Clock Company. Established in 1844, the company went into receivership prior to the stock market crash of 1929.
The Ansonia Clock Company's machinery and dies were eventually sold to a Russian holding company, effectively ending the company's existence. However, the legacy of the company lives on through clocks like the Marquis, which continue to captivate admirers such as former student, Cate.
Cate, who had previously taken a class from the author of this blog, expressed her admiration for a specific crystal regulator clock by Ansonia. Her appreciation for the craftsmanship and history of these clocks is shared by many, as evidenced by the collectible clock market trends and common pricing found for similar clocks from that era and their current equivalent value.
As we approach the first day of spring, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history of such timeless pieces. The first day of spring, or the vernal equinox, usually falls on March 20 or March 21. This year, it will fall on March 20 for the next two years in a row.
Sources:
[1] Antique Clock Prices [2] The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors
The restoration of the vintage Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator mantel clock, now valued at over a thousand dollars, is a reflection of the interest in vintage home-and-garden items among modern homeowners.
The fascination with this piece of history extends beyond just home decor, as seen in Cate's admiration for it, reinforcing the significance of education-and-self-development in discovering one's passions, such as the appreciation for fashion-and-beauty in clocks like the Ansonia Marquis.
Contemporary lifestyles often incorporate elements of the past, as witnessed by the growing market for antique books, including guides on artisanal food-and-drink recipes and maintenance tips for treasured home-and-garden items like the Ansonia Marquis.
As collectors like Bob G. continue to preserve and value these vintage pieces, they act as tangible links to a bygone era, emphasizing the importance of history and the enduring allure of such timeless items.
