About the Ansonia “Crystal Palace No. 2” Clock
Title: Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 2 Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 2 clock model, produced between 1893 and 1900, is a prime example of American ingenuity and craftsmanship during the Victorian era. This stunning timepiece belongs to the mantel clock category, designed to gracefully sit atop furniture rather than mount on a wall.
The Crystal Palace No. 2 is renowned for its exquisite case design, primarily made from brass, with intricate and ornate castings that showcase the Ansonia Clock Company’s exceptional attention to detail. The clock’s exterior features a unique combination of gilt and patinated bronze finishes, giving it an opulent appearance that complements various interior decors.
What makes the Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 2 particularly collectible is its incorporation of innovative technology, design aesthetic, and historical significance. As one of the most elaborate mantel clocks ever produced by Ansonia, this model showcases the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries in clockmaking during the late 19th century.
Notable features include a grand dial with Roman numerals and ornate spandrels, a finely-detailed brass pendulum bob suspended from a beautiful acanthus leaf design, and an intricate movement that provides exceptional timekeeping accuracy for its era. The clock’s enamel painted scene on the back of the case is another captivating aspect, often depicting scenes from historical events or famous landmarks, such as the Crystal Palace exhibition in London, which inspired the model’s name.
In summary, the Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 2 mantel clock represents a remarkable blend of artistry and innovation that continues to captivate
Auction Records and Price History
The following 5 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Crystal Palace No. 2” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1875, Ansonia Clock Co., “Crystal Palace No. 2”, 8-day time/strike mantel clock.
Condition: Walnut and ebonized case in nice condition with a partial original finish. The finals above the mirrors have some damage. Both mirrors are original, but one is cracked. Original dial has wear to the numbers, stains, and the grommet on the time side is missing. Hands are original. Original pendulum is stamped: “Davies Pat”. Earlier square plated movement is signed Ansonia. Original glass dome has some small chips around the rim, but is overall very good. Height 16.5 inches [41.9 cm]
Sold: $300 | Date: 4/22/2007 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1875, Ansonia, Crystal Palace No. 2, now with the bezel from a “No. 2, Extra”.
Note the movement and dial plate have only 2 supports for the standard pan and bezel. See Ly’s Ansonia book (1998) , pages 96-97, to see that the fancy heavy bezel requires 4 feet for the dial and 4 attaching screws through the chapter ring. This also has the earlier rectangular plate movement, signed Ansonia. Original dome and base are excellent. Pendulum is a a reissue. If correct it would have brought $800. Height 17″
Sold: $450 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. “Crystal Palace No. 2”, C. about 1865.
This model would have had a cupid in the center of the base, behind the pendulum. The catalogs show the cupid with, and without a base. The hole in the case indicates this one had a cupid without a base The base is stamped, “Davies Pat’d”. The movement is an 8 day Waterbury Clock Co. with hourly strike on a nickel bell. The Crystal Palace No. 2 Extra models with Waterbury movements were illustrated in the 1875 American Clock Co. catalog, while the same clock is shown in the 1880 Ansonia catalogs. The only thing I see that makes it an “Extra”, is the fancy bezel. This pendulum is correctly stamped, “Davies Pat’d”. The glass dome is a good, correct, replacement. Like all clocks in this collection, it is running. The dark oak cased clock is 17.5″ high with the dome. Ly-Ansonia, pages 91-99.
Sold: $541 | Date: July, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. “Crystal Palace No. 2”, Ca 1880.
Evidently some of the No. 2 models came without a statue, this one has a statue, although it is a modern plastic exact look a like. I spent far too much time examining this clock trying to decide if it was modern or old, then happened to remember where it came from. The man who refinished this old clock made it look like brand new, which he likes to do. He said he replaced the mirrors and dial, sanded and polished all the wood, cleaned all the brass and even painted black the levers in the old Ansonia movement. The 8 day movement is running real strong and strikes a nickel bell each hour. Clock is 17 inches high, 20 inches high with the too tall, new dome. Ly-Ansonia, pages 96-97.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 2 Dome Clock
With an 8 day T&S on bell movement and a marked paper dial that reads “Eberhardt & Young So. Chicago”. There is a key, a 2 cylinder pendulum, a Cupid figure and a dome with a heavy bottom ring with the clock. The clock is running and striking at this time. (The dial has darkened. The dome is not original to the clock.) 19″ Tall
Sold: $400 | Date: Oct 05, 2013 | Source: Tom Harris