The Ansonia Clock Company was an American clock manufacturer that was founded in 1851 in Ansonia, Connecticut. It was originally known as the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company and began as a brass and copper manufacturer. However, in 1854, the company decided to expand its operations into clock making.
Under the leadership of its founder, Anson Greene Phelps, the Ansonia Clock Company quickly became one of the largest clock manufacturers in the United States. The company produced a wide range of clocks, from cheap and simple models to expensive and ornate ones.
The peak production years for the Ansonia Clock Company were in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, the company was one of the largest clock manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of clocks for both domestic and international markets.
In the 1880s, the Ansonia Clock Company was producing over one million clocks per
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year, making it one of the largest clock manufacturers in the United States. The company's clocks were sold in department stores, jewellery stores, and other retailers throughout the country, and the company's advertising campaigns were widely recognized and influential.
The Ansonia Clock Company produced a wide range of clock, but there were a few models that were particularly popular and remain highly sought after:
- Ansonia Crystal Palace Clock - This was one of the most famous clocks produced by the Ansonia Clock Company. It was named after the famous Crystal Palace in London, which was built for the Great Exhibition of 1851. The clock was a large, ornate model that featured a glass dome over the clock face, which allowed viewers to see the intricate inner workings of the clock.
- Ansonia Swing Clock - This clock was a unique model that hung from a single point, allowing it to swing back and forth like a pendulum. It was designed to be mounted on a wall and was often used in public spaces such as train stations and offices.
- Ansonia La Normandie Clock - This clock was designed to commemorate the maiden voyage of the French ocean liner La Normandie in 1935. It was a large, ornate clock that featured a bronze sculpture of the ship on top of the clock case.
- Ansonia Regulator Clock - This was a simple, yet elegant model that was popular in homes and offices. It featured a long, narrow case with a glass door that allowed viewers to see the pendulum inside. It was often used as a timekeeper in schools and other institutions.
- Ansonia Statue Clocks - These were a series of clocks that featured ornate bronze statues on top of the clock case. The statues depicted various themes such as classical figures, animals, and mythological creatures. These clocks were highly prized for their artistic value and continue to be sought after by collectors today.
The Ansonia Clock Company continued to thrive into the early 1900s, with production peaking in 1904 when the company produced over 500,000 clocks. However, the company began to experience financial difficulties in the 1910s, and by the 1920s, it was struggling to remain profitable. In 1929, the company declared bankruptcy and was forced to close its doors.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Ansonia Clock Company left an indelible mark on the clock making industry.
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