Clock powered by Ansonia Marquis crystal regulator, as encountered by a reader
In the annals of clock-making history, the Ansonia Clock Company, based in New York, stands as a prominent American manufacturer. Known for its quality clocks, particularly the Ansonia Savoy mantle clock from the early 1900s, the company's history, however, is not without intrigue.
A recent find sheds light on an interesting event in the company's past - the price increase of their prestigious "MARQUIS" crystal regulator mantel clock in 1905.
The "MARQUIS" clock, listed on page 24 of the 1905 Ansonia catalog, was part of the company's collection of crystal regulators. It measures 151⁄2 inches high and 71⁄2 inches wide, with a 4-inch porcelain dial and a brass bezel, encased in a polished brass case adorned with "rich gold" ornaments.
The original price of the "MARQUIS" clock in 1904 was $40.00, equivalent to $1107.48 in 2019. However, the following year, the price increased to $41.80, a hefty increase for a clock at that time.
The reason for this price increase, as stated in the catalog, remains unclear. The catalog does not indicate any changes in the design or features of the "MARQUIS" clock, nor does it specify if the price increase applies to all versions of the clock or just certain ones.
It's worth noting that the Ansonia Clock Company, founded in 1844, went into receivership prior to the stock market crash of 1929[1]. However, there is no direct information in the search results about the company's sale to a Russian holding company in 1929.
The "MARQUIS" clock was part of a large collection purchased from the grandson settling an estate. The grandfather who owned the collection had opened a jewelry store and clock shop over 73 years ago, and the store is still in operation today.
The clock, which needed a good cleaning and had badly tarnished brass, was restored and is now running again. Despite the price increase, the "MARQUIS" clock remains a prized possession for clock enthusiasts and collectors.
In conclusion, while the reasons behind the price increase of the "MARQUIS" clock in 1905 remain a mystery, the clock itself continues to be a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the Ansonia Clock Company during that era.
[1] Ansonia Clock Company: A Brief History, www.ansoniaclock.com [2] The Ansonia Savoy Mantel Clock, www.antiquetimemachines.com [3] William Earl Dodge Stokes, www.britannica.com [4] The Ansonia Clock Company, www.encyclopedia.com
- The Ansonia Clock Company's lifestyle product, the "MARQUIS" crystal regulator mantel clock, is a coveted piece among clock enthusiasts and collectors, even after a price increase in 1905, as evidenced by a recently restored piece originating from a jewelry store and clock shop that has been in operation for over 73 years.
- In the world of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden aficionados, the Ansonia Clock Company's "MARQUIS" clock is often a conversation starter, owing to its intricate design and rich history, despite the price increase that occurred in 1905,having left the reasons behind the hike unclear.
- Travelers exploring the annals of clock-making history may be intrigued to learn about the Ansonia Clock Company's "MARQUIS" clock, a prized possession despite undergoing a price increase in 1905, while the reasons for this rise remain a mystery, as noted in the company's 1905 catalog.
