About the Ansonia “Columbia” Clock
Title: Ansonia “Columbia” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Ansonia “Columbia” clock, produced by the renowned Ansonia Clock Company between 1895 and 1900, is a highly sought-after mantel clock among antique collectors. This ornate timepiece, with its distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship, is a testament to the company’s unparalleled expertise during the late Victorian era.
The “Columbia” model is characterized by its intricate cast iron case, often adorned with detailed bronze accents. The case design typically features a central column with a draped flag, representing the American eagle, and a bust of Lady Liberty atop. This combination symbolizes America’s strength and freedom, making it a significant representation of the nation’s identity during this period.
What makes the Ansonia “Columbia” clock collectible is its rarity, intricate design, and historical significance. As one of the most elaborate designs produced by the Ansonia Clock Company, these clocks are relatively scarce compared to their more common models. The “Columbia” model’s ornate details, including the eagle, Liberty bust, and decorated columns, make it a visually striking addition to any antique clock collection.
Notable features of the Ansonia “Columbia” clock include its 8-day time and strike movement and the chiming mechanism that plays Westminster or Whittington quarters. The clock’s dial is usually decorated with Roman numerals and ornate hands, adding to its overall elegance. With its captivating design, historical significance, and excellent craftsmanship, the Ansonia “Columbia” clock remains a highly desirable collector’s item for aficionados of
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Columbia” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, C.1904, “COLUMBIA”, figural clock, with ‘Shepherd Boy’ figure, 8-day gong strike with open escapement on fancy brass dial.
the statue is not currently screwed to the base. There is some wear through the bronze finish on the statue in a couple of places; shepherd’s staff is loose – just laying for foto. Clock is otherwise in excellent original condition, including pendulum, and assorted hardware. A very nice example of this model. For reference, see Ly No. 1581. Ht 25″
Sold: $2,185 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., “Columbia”, ca 1904. No doubt this was AnsoniaÕs top of the line for clocks of this type.
It sold for $110 in 1904, which intodayÕs dollars would be over $5, 000. This was a near perfect clock when Iobtained it from the Millers. Bruce Baziluk refinished certain parts of thesilver and gold to put it back to like new condition. It is as nice as anyyou will ever see. There are two frieze scenes on the front and one on eachside, all finished in gold, the rest of the case finished in silver. ShepherdBoy statue also finished in silver. The dial and sash are both silver andgold. The sash and numerals are silver, while everything else, inner dial, open escape, dial overlay, and hands, are all gold. The movement is 8 day, striking a gong on half hours and hours, runs fine. As clean inside as itis outside. The black part of the case is enameled iron and it is also nearperfect. It is 25″ high and 24.5″ wide. If you have never seen this clock, you would be surprised at the size, and the detail of the Shepherd Boy andthe frieze scenes. Ly-Ansonia No. 1581.
Sold: $4,950 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Company, their best of the best mantle clocks, the “Columbia”, ca 1904, with the “Shepherd Boy” statue.
Ansonia made these for a short time; there-fore very few come on the market for sale. The company did not make them all identical; they would vary the finish on the applied ornaments and dials. Bruce Baziluk restored the clock to its original finish, silver ornaments on the base, friezes in silver, and a silver dial ring, every-thing else finished in bronze and gold colors. The Shepherd Boy has its original finish and although not mint perfect it was too nice to have refinished. The movement is 8 day, striking a gong on half hours and hours, running heartily. The enameled iron is also very nice. This is an awfully big and heavy clock, 25 inches high and 24.5 inches wide. If you have never owned or observed this model up close, you would never believe its size. This is the most impressive enameled iron clock or statue clock Ansonia made, and one that will see more appreciation in value than any of the others. It has always been undervalued. The ones we have sold in the past have gone to collectors who are laying them back, waiting on that appreciation. Ly-Ansonia #1581..
Sold: $6,250 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, ÒColumbiaÓ figural shelf clock, 8 days, time and strike, spring driven movement in a enameled cast iron case with applied cast friezes depicting Medieval military scenes resting on large cast brass front feet surmounted by a spelter statue of shepard boy reclining and a extra fancy cast brass dial with applied Roman numerals and open escapement, c1890
the spelter statue lacks its original finish. The case is clean and polished and presents very nicely. The cast feet and ormolu mount below dial have been refinished. This scarce, desirable, highly detailed model would come back to life quickly once the young shepard statue has the Barbedienne or Syrian Bronze finish reapplied. Ht 25Ò, Width 23Ó
Sold: $1,400 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, ÒColumbiaÓ figural shelf clock, 8 days, time and strike, spring driven movement with decorated rear plate. Enameled cast iron case with applied cast friezes depicting Medieval military scenes resting on large cast brass front feet surmounted by a spelter statue of shepard boy reclining and a cream enamel dial with open escapement and cast brass center and bezel, c1890
the shephard retains its original Barbedienne finish in great condition. The case and dial are also in excellent original condition. This is an extremely good example. Ht 25Ò, Width 23Ó
Sold: $2,300 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Antique Ansonia “Columbia” Figural Iron Clock
black and silver finish; ornate metal dial w/ blue and white numerals; open escapement. 25″ x 24″ :
Sold: $1,800 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
C.1905, Ansonia COLUMBIA, as-found, in generally fair to good condition, dirty.
The Shepherd statue is missing his staff, and the mouth piece to his horn, and his finish is absent. The base has chips and rust in the black enamel; friezes were painted gold long ago and are dirty; feet painted more recently. Still it has lots of potential and will restore nicely. Height 25.5 inches
Sold: $2,900 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Columbia” figural shelf clock, 8 days, time and strike, spring driven movement in a enameled cast iron case with applied cast friezes depicting Medieval military scenes, resting on large cast brass front feet surmounted by a spelter statue of shepherd boy reclining, and a extra fancy cast brass dial with applied Roman numerals and open escapement, c1890
the intricate castings and reclining top figure retain old patinas with some wear and minor restoration. The black painted surfaces have been polished to a high gloss, with some small chips. The blue cartouche porcelain numbers all are fine; the visible escapement has steel pallets; the convex beveled glass is good. The signed movement ticks and strikes, but the gong needs to be reattached. Very heavy for shipping; the top figure is not attached to the case. Measures 25 1/2″ x 24″ x 9 1/2″
Sold: $1,600 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts