Antique Ansonia Clocks
Ansonia was named for Anson C. Phelps who caused the Ansonia Brass Co. (part of the Phelps Dodge Co.) to be built in Connecticut. Rolled brass became commercially available in quantity in the United States sometime during the early 1830’s. After 1838 it had generally replaced cast brass and wood for making clock movements. Since clocks provided a market for brass, what could have been more natural for Phelps to do than to start a clock company in connection with the brass operations to use more of his own product. In 1851 The Ansonia Clock Company came into existence as a subsidiary company. It is probable from the clocks and data now available, that even from the very start two firm names were used. Ansonia Clock Co. was one, and Ansonia Brass & Clock Co. was the other; both marked "Ansonia, Conn."
Spring wound shelf clocks of many patterns were the principal type of clock produced, although an occasional ogee weight driven with the Ansonia label has been reported. Regulator wall clocks were also made. The cases were all of wood, with mahogany, rosewood or other veneer. About 1870 the name Ansonia Brass & Battery Co. was used on some wood and iron cased marine 8 day and 30 hour clocks.
The year 1878 brought about a complete change of location. For some reason, not now entirely clear, the Ansonia Clock Company acquired a factory in Brooklyn, New York, and transferred the entire operation there. If you find "Ansonia, Conn." on your Ansonia clock then it was made prior to 1878. Subsequent clocks are marked New York. Disaster struck almost at once in the new location for in 1879, the first year of operation, a fire destroyed the Brooklyn factory.
The resiliency of Ansonia was good. The plant was immediately rebuilt, and they were back in full production by 1880. They successfully operated until active production in the Brooklyn plant ceased about 1930. Russian interests purchased the machinery and shipped it to Russia. In 1969, the rights to the use of the name, trade marks, and goodwill were transferred to Ansonia Clock Co., Inc., Lynnwood, Washington.
Extracted from:
"Early American Clocks"; Edited by Don Maust, 1971
Warman Publishing Co, Uniontown, PA
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