About the Ansonia “Fortuna” Clock
Title: The Ansonia “Fortuna” Clock Model: A Collector’s Delight
The Ansonia “Fortuna” clock, produced by the renowned Ansonia Clock Company, is a captivating mantel clock that graced homes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exquisite timepiece belongs to the category of decorative mantel clocks, designed to be placed on shelves or tables rather than mounted on walls.
The “Fortuna” is renowned for its stunning case materials and design. The clock’s case is typically crafted from rich mahogany, a popular choice for its warmth and durability during the Victorian era. The clock’s ornate design features intricate carvings, often depicting mythological figures, such as the Roman goddess Fortuna, giving the clock its name.
Produced between 1895 and 1920, the “Fortuna” represents a period of heightened creativity and craftsmanship in American clockmaking. This era saw the Ansonia Clock Company producing some of their most sought-after works, with the “Fortuna” being one of their most collectible models today.
The “Fortuna” clock is highly prized by collectors for its unique blend of artistic beauty and mechanical precision. The clock’s eight-day movement ensures a long running time, while its striking mechanism produces a melodious chime that adds to the overall charm of the piece.
Notable features of the “Fortuna” include its elaborately carved pillars, intricately designed dial, and the finely crafted pendulum bob suspended from a delicate chain. The clock’s attention to detail, quality materials, and ornate design make it a valuable addition to any antique clock collection.
Auction Records and Price History
The following 10 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Fortuna” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
C.1895, Ansonia Clock Co., “FORTUNA”, patinated spelter, mysterious swinging timepiece, mother and cherub, the largest swinger in the Ansonia line.
Condition: generally very good to excellent original condition. There are some scrapes and losses to the finish here and there on statues. The balls of the “arm” have been nicely polished to brass, the clock portion with silvered numerals. Suspension shield and original hands are intact, and it is in good running order. Height 29 inches
Sold: $4,000 | Date: 11-08-2008 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. New York, C.1900, “FORTUNA”, swinging arm timepiece, 8-day, the movement contained within the ball at top, the 25.5″ clock arm swings from side to side without apparent impulse. The goddess Fortuna is setting with a cherub playing at her side, holding the clock aloft.
the arm is in original condition, but with a small flat spot on the rear from a fall; color is dark muted green. The spelter statue was brass plated maybe 25 years ago, and the plating is starting to lift from the surface, and there are many small “bumps” of brass all over the statue. However these are not seen from a distance, and the clock is overall impressive and fotogenic. Ht 30″
Sold: $2,875 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. New York, C.1906, “FORTUNA”, swinging arm timepiece, 8-day, the movement contained within the ball at top, the entire arm swinging without apparent impulse. The Goddess Fortuna is setting with a cherub playing at her side. Utilizes long arm 25.5″ in length.
the clock arm was polished to brass long ago and now has turned brown with natural oxidation/ dull but not pitted. The statue retains about 60% of the original finish, balance worn to base metal, now turned dark grey. Overall height 30″
Sold: $1,955 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York. NY, “Fortuna” figural swinger mantel clock with a spring driven, 8 day timepiece movement in a cast metal case.
Fortuna was the goddess of fortune and personification of luck in Roman religion. The eight day time only movement is contained in a metal brass sphere with Arabic numerals, gilt ribbon with bowknot at top and French style hands, The pendulum portion includes three rods supporting a smaller brass sphere with gilt cast leaf ornament, Fortuna is the draped female figure sitting on clouds with a torch held up in her left hand, a bar fixed to the torch supporting the clock, a putti below on her right, all on a molded metal base. The case is in excellent condition with nicely done restoration to the finish. The movement is signed. The hands are original.
Sold: $4,250 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Company, Ansonia, Conn. “Fortuna” 8-day time only, double figure swing clock, c1900
Very nice original bronze patina on ball, redone bronze finish on statues, all providing a strong presentation for this running swinger. For more details on Ansonia swing clocks, see Tran Duy Ly’s book titled “Ansonia Clocks and Watches”. 30″ high to top of torch.
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1895, Ansonia Clock Co., “Fortuna”, swinging timepiece in generally good condition, with restorations and losses.
This clock has been setting on a mantel in Philadelphia since around 1970, but was sprayed gold at that time; it is otherwise complete and sound. The arm retains original movement, hands and hardware, however the tip to the top ribbon is broken away, and the hole portion only of the suspension has been home-made (works OK). Height as shown 29.5 inches
Sold: $4,000 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Fortuna Ball Swing” cast spelter, 8 days, time only swinging arm mantel clock, c1906
we believe that the swinging arm on this larger rare model had the “Red Enamel” finish which can be seen on top and bottom ball areas that were covered; but the lacquer has now darkened and turned it brown. The large figure retains an old and worn bronzed patina, but no losses or damage. The movement ticks and looks correct, although not visibly signed, but the suspension block needs repair. Ht when hanging 31 1/2″.
Sold: $2,800 | Date: October 25, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Fortuna” swing clock bronzed spelter STATUE ONLY (no clock), c1906
complete with swinging arm holder, this large statue is in excellent condition with an even bronzed patina that is more recent. Ht to top of torch 25″
Sold: $2,100 | Date: October 26, 2014 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., NY, “FORTUNA” double figure swing clock. The eight day time only movement contained in a metal sphere with blue finish with Arabic numerals, gilt ribbon with bowknot at top and French style hands, the pendulum portion with 3 rods supporting a smaller blue sphere with gilt cast leaf ornament, the draped female figure sitting on clouds with a torch held up in her left hand, a bar fixed to the torch supporting the clock, a putti below on her right, on a molded metal base, c1905
Significant loss to blue finish on clock case [almost no finish remains], sphere with minor dent in back, gilding with wear, hands worn to brass, suspension replaced, lower sphere also with complete loss of blue, wear and spotting, figures without breaks, with a bronze tone overall, running. Note very top loop on bow at top of ball is missing. Ht 30″
Sold: $2,100 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “FORTUNA” large double figure swing clock in very good original condition, (note cherub at mother’s feet) c1905
although there are some minor scrapes in the statue finish, and some minor touch up, also some scrapes in the cobalt blue ball finish, it is overall original and just the way a purist collector would like to find the item. Movement is properly signed on the rear plate. See also another of this same model in todays sale. As with most of Ansonia’s figure clocks, they were based on French originals. Ht 30″
Sold: $2,300 | Date: October 28, 2012 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts