How to Identify an Ansonia Clock by Its Label or Trademark
Ansonia clocks are among the most collected American antique timepieces, and their labels and trademarks are invaluable tools for dating and authenticating them. Over the company’s nearly 80-year history (1850-1929), the markings on Ansonia clocks changed significantly, making them reliable guides for determining when your clock was made.
The Ansonia Trademark: The “A” in a Square
The most recognizable Ansonia trademark is the letter “A” inside a square, which is itself set inside a tilted diamond or square. This logo appears on movement plates, dials, and paper labels throughout much of the company’s history. It is one of the most commonly seen trademarks on American antique clocks and is a reliable indicator of authentic Ansonia manufacture.
Label Timeline: Dating Your Ansonia Clock
The label on the back or inside of an Ansonia clock case is one of the best ways to date the clock. Here is a guide to the major label variations by era:
- 1850-1854 (Ansonia Clock Company, Connecticut) — The original company, co-founded by Anson G. Phelps, Theodore Terry, and Franklin C. Andrews in Ansonia, Connecticut. Clocks from this period are rare due to a factory fire in 1854 that ended this first incarnation of the company.
- 1854-1869 (Ansonia Brass Company / Ansonia Brass and Battery Company) — After the fire, Phelps, Dodge and Co. continued limited clock production. Clocks from this transitional period carry labels reading “Ansonia Brass Company” or “Ansonia Brass and Battery Company” and are uncommon.
- 1869-1877 (Ansonia Brass and Copper Company) — In February 1869 the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company began more extensive clock production. A label reading “Ansonia Brass and Copper Company” indicates your clock was almost certainly made between 1869 and 1877.
- 1877-1883 (Transitional Period — Connecticut and New York) — In December 1877 a new corporation was formed under the original name Ansonia Clock Company. A large factory was built in Brooklyn, New York, beginning in 1879, while the Connecticut factory continued operating until about 1883. Labels from this period may show both the Connecticut and New York locations, making them distinctive and easy to date to this transitional window.
- 1883-1929 (Ansonia Clock Company, New York) — From 1883 onward, clocks carry labels reading “Ansonia Clock Company, New York” or “Manufactured by the Ansonia Clock Co., New York, U.S.A.” This is the most commonly seen label on surviving Ansonia clocks, as this was the company’s longest and most productive period.
Movement Markings
Beyond paper labels, Ansonia movement plates are typically stamped with the company name and location. Common movement inscriptions include:
- “Ansonia Clock Co. / New York, U.S.A.” — the standard post-1883 marking
- Patent dates such as “Patented June 14, 1881” — useful for establishing the earliest possible manufacture date
- “Prize Medal Awarded Paris Exposition” — seen on labels from the 1878 Paris Exposition period
Dial Signatures
Many Ansonia clocks have the company name printed or painted on the dial. Porcelain dials typically read “Ansonia” or “Ansonia Clock Co.” A signed dial adds authenticity and generally increases the value of a clock.
Spotting Reproductions and Fakes
Because Ansonia clocks are popular collectibles, some reproduction labels exist. Authentic labels show age-related characteristics including yellowing, brittleness, and period-appropriate typography. Suppliers like Timesavers sell reproduction Ansonia labels for restoration purposes — these are legitimate for replacing damaged originals but should be disclosed when selling a clock.
Research Ansonia Clock Prices
Once you have identified your Ansonia clock’s label and approximate date of manufacture, the next step is researching its market value. Our sister site AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com maintains a database of thousands of actual Ansonia clock auction results.
Search Ansonia clock price records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com