About the Ansonia “Excelsior” Clock
Title: Ansonia Excelsior Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Ansonia Excelsior clock model is a captivating mantel clock that graced homes during the late 19th century, primarily produced between 1884 and 1905. This timepiece, crafted by the renowned Ansonia Clock Company, showcases exquisite design and superior engineering, making it an attractive addition to any antique clock collection.
Typical case materials of the Excelsior model include brass, mahogany, and walnut, with ornate carvings and intricate detailing that accentuate its Victorian-era aesthetic. The design features a robust base with tapering legs, supporting a rectangular dial crowned by a finely carved hood. The clock face is adorned with an elegant Roman numeral time scale and a bold pendulum swinging beneath.
What sets the Ansonia Excelsior apart as a collectible piece is its unique combination of style, quality, and historical significance. Its design embodies the opulence of the late 19th century while boasting the precision of mechanical craftsmanship that Ansonia was known for during this period. Notable features include the high-quality movement, the distinctive hooded case, and the captivating pendulum that adds a dynamic element to its overall appeal.
Collectors should look out for variations in dial designs, such as those with enamel or painted dials, or even rare examples featuring astronomical complications like moon phase indicators. Additionally, the presence of maker’s marks and original packaging can significantly increase a clock’s value. The Ansonia Excelsior clock model is not only a testament to the craftsmanship of its time but also an enduring symbol of American industrial ing
Auction Records and Price History
The following 12 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Excelsior” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1904, Ansonia Clock Co., “Excelsior’ brass and bronze crystal regulator, as-found.
This clock was painted over with gold paint after it turned brown. We polished off a bit of paint to make sure it was brass and it is. Retains original gilt dial mask and dial in perfect condition. The pendulum is a typical Ansonia parlor pendulum, but not the cast bust as shown in Ly”s book. Runs but is dirty. The heavy ‘ bevel glass is all perfect. This clock is worth cleaning up. Height 20’
Sold: $1,600 | Date: 11/1/1999 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia ” EXCELSIOR” Model Crystal Regulator, c. 1910
Case: Great detail. Original “RICH GOLD” finish and bevelled “Plate Glass”. – 20.5″ high Works: Ansonia 8 day brass with hour count and half hour striking on gong. “Best quality 20th century Ansonia shelf clock works I have ever seen” (comment from dealer) Visable escapement with jeweled pallets. 100 percent original. This is one of the most expensive shelf clocks in the old Ansonia catalogs. Reference: Ansonia Clocks by Tran Duy Ly Condition: Case: The case is great. Not over polished. Most of the original gold finish is still present with normal dark spots from cared for aging. Works: excellent, cleaned and lubricated. Pendulum. As shown P.117 Plate 323 of the new “Ansonia Clocks and Watches” by Tran Duy Ly.
Retail: $3750 | Date: 3/15/2000 | Source: AntiqueClocks.com
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Excelsior” Crystal Regulator with two matching candelabra (No. 1110) with a spring driven, 8 day time and half hour strike movement (rack & snail strike) in a gilt finished brass case.
The three piece set is in excellent condition with its original gilt finish showing minimal wear. The beveled glass in the back door has a chip in the lower right corner. The porcelain dial is in excellent condition with no hairline cracks or chips. The hands are original. The movement is signed. Overall, one of the best Ansonia three piece sets we have seen.
Sold: $2,500 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. crystal regulator, “Excelsior”, ca. 1904.
One of Ansonia’s fancier crystal regulators, large at 20.5 inches high, complete with original finish. Old correct pendulum with lady’s head in center. All the heavy beveled glasses are old and in good condition, no chips. The two piece porcelain dial has small hairlines in the center dial. They would not bother most collectors but if you want perfection you can order a new center dial from Timesavers or Pro Clocks. 8 day movement, outside escapement, strikes the hours and half hours on a cathedral gong. Nice old original clock, running. Ly- Ansonia, page 117.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: January, 2005 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. Crystal Regulator, “Excelsior”, ca 1904.
This may not be the biggest and best crystal regulator Ansonia made, but it is my favorite. Over their lifetime the gold or brass finish wore off or tarnished badly. This one was redone by Bruce Baziluk. He first disassembles the case piece by piece and sends everything but the glasses and movement, to have all the pieces gold plated. Ansonia finished most of them in brass. I prefer the gold and have had all of mine refinished in gold. The metal underneaththe finish is real bronze. They all have 8 day movements, and strike halfhours on a standing cathedral gong. 2 piece porcelain dial is perfect, outsideescapement with jeweled pallets, and is running beautifully. Note the ornategold pendulum with embossed ladies bust. There is nothing plain about thisclock, if you like plain there are other things in this catalog. We try tohave something for everyone. Ly-Ansonia, page 117.
Sold: $0 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. crystal regulator, “Excelsior”, ca late 1800’s.
This model is a choice of most decorators because of its simplicity yet it has a regal expensive look. They will only use it if it has a bright new gold look. This real bronze case, like all I have seen, has had new gold professionally applied by one of the country’s best metal finishers. Some companies claim to do gold gilt but their work comes out looking like muddy pond water. To get a clock to look like it came from the Ansonia factory you must pay several hundred dollars. The 4 large, heavily beveled glasses are perfect, as is the original and rare pendulum bob, the hands, 2 piece dial with open escapement, gong, and 8 day movement. We have seen several different styles of dials on this model from porcelain, gold, round recessed numerals, and in this case a white metal dial with rich gold sash and dial surround. The large case is 20.5 inches high. Ly-Ansonia, page 117.
Sold: $3,550 | Date: June, 2004 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, EXCELSIOR, crystal regulator, with cast female bust pendulum, and with multi color, creamy porcelain dial with red decorations between the Arabic numerals, and with open escapement on the dial, c1904
although most of the original gilding is worn away at this time, the clock is otherwise in outstanding condition, with perfect heavy beveled glass, good dial, and clean small striking movement. Although not uncommon, this model is difficult to find in such good shape. Ht 20 1/2Ó
Sold: $1,800 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Excelsior”, 8 day, time and strike, spring driven brass movement crystal regulator mantel clock with a visible escapement.
Bronze and brass case in very fine condition. Original porcelain dial is perfect. Original hands and pendulum. The right side beveled glass panel has a small chip at the upper corner. The other glass panels are fine.
Sold: $950 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co, large 4-glass, EXCELSIOR, in nickel / silver finish, now with a pendulum from a French clock,C.1904
the cast pendulum got lost at some point, and a workman has adapted a 2-vial compensating pendulum that keeps time and looks good, just not correct. Otherwise this is an exceptional clock with original movement, bright silvered dial, and open escapement. Someone has touched up the dial with some lt gray paint. Overall very good to excellent condition. For a foto of original pendulum, see Ly’s Ansonia book (1998), pg 117. Price guide for 2004 = $2650. Height 20.5 inches
Sold: $1725 | Date: November 6, 2009 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia “Excelsior” Crystal Regulator Clock
signed porcelain dial; open escapement; T and S. 20″
Sold: $1,200 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Ansonia “Excelsior” Crystal Regulator Clock
ornate dial; open escapement; signed. (Patina is worn.) 20″
Sold: $1,500 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Excelsior” crystal regulator, 8 day, time and strike, spring driven movement with visible Brocot escapement in a gilt finished brass case on claw feet, cream porcelain dial with Roman numerals and red interstitial decorations, cast pendulum with female face, strikes on cathedral gong.
case is in very good overall condition with a few small losses of gilding. One of the pallet jewels is a steel replacement. Signed porcelain dial is fine as are beveled glasses. Pendulum and hands are correct. The signed movement ticks and strikes, but was not tested long term.
Sold: $1,200 | Date: October 21, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts