About the Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” Clock
Title: Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” clock model, a testament to American craftsmanship, is a mantel clock that graces any collector’s room with its intricate design and mechanical prowess. Produced primarily between the late 19th century and early 20th century, this timepiece showcases Ansonia Clock Company’s commitment to quality and innovation during the Victorian era.
The “Jumper No. 1” mantel clock boasts a richly decorated cast-iron case, often adorned with elaborate floral or animal motifs, which adds to its visual appeal. The typical design features a hood that extends over the dial, giving it a grand appearance while also housing the pendulum and strike mechanism. The case is usually finished in deep hues of black, green, or red, adding an air of sophistication.
What sets the Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” apart as a collectible piece is its unique striking mechanism, known as the “jumper” or “dead-beat” style. This feature causes the seconds hand to jump in one-second intervals rather than moving continuously, providing an engaging visual experience for clock enthusiasts. Additionally, the “Jumper No. 1” was one of the most popular Ansonia models during its production era, making it a sought-after find among collectors today.
Notable features include the finely crafted brass movement and the dial, which often displays Roman numerals or intricate designs around the perimeter. Some versions may also feature an alarm function, adding further value to this already collectible timepiece. For those with a passion for American antique clocks, the Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” offers a
Auction Records and Price History
The following 13 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Jumper No. 1” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Antique Ansonia Jumper No. 1 Clock
Jan 2021 – 71 Antique American Clocks Ansonia “Jumper No. 1”, ca. 1891. Ansonia made three novelty “bobbing” clocks that remain popular; I have two of them here. The No. 1 is 15.5-inches tall in a bright nickel finish; I think it may have been replated. The dial is old paper, signed, and the hands are correct. The bisque doll does not match any of the dolls in the catalog illustrations and so it is likely a replacement, made in Germany (on the bottom); note that one side of her swing is broken off. The one-day movement is signed and running, and the little girl is bobbing happily. You will be too if you win one of these novelties! Schmitt-Horan sold one online last fall for $300.
Retail: $435 | Date: 01/01/2021 | Source: AntiqueAmericanClocks.com
C.1893, Ansonia, Jumper No. 1, as-found, with replacement doll.
The clock, stand and dial are original and excellent and if you have a better doll you can really improve this clock. Height 15 inches
Sold: $950 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1894, Ansonia, Jumper No. 1, in excellent restored condition.
The stand and case have been professionally nickel plated. The dial is original. The doll is quite dirty and we are unsure if it is a replacement; if so, it is extremely well done and some time ago. Refer to Ly’s Ansonia book, page 65, for full details on Ansonia’s bobbing doll clocks. Doll at podium. Height 15 inches
Sold: $1,100 | Date: 10/1/2001 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. New York, “JUMPER NO. 1”, C.1896, movement held aloft by a single pole, nickel plated stand, the pin pallet movement released by the ceramic doll jumping up and down. Repro doll with blue vest..
the last time this timepiece was cleaned, the outer case was installed onto its stand backwards, hence you see the reverse of the stand when viewing the dial. This is easily reversed. The original paper dial is very clean with only minor losses. The hand set stem is present, but slips on the shaft. Easy restoration. Ht 15.3″
Sold: $546 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co. New York, “JUMPER NO. 1”, C.1896, movement held aloft by a single pole, nickel plated stand, the pin pallet movement released by the ceramic doll jumping up and down. Female doll in light pink.
this clock lived by the sea and the nickel plated stand has oxidized to gray and is rough to the touch. The paper dial has darkened from oil on the movement. Quality repro doll is very fine. Ht 15.3″
Sold: $242 | Date: 5/15/2010 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1895, Ansonia “Jumper No. 1”,
as-found. This clock was shipped from London in a candy box and the box arrived crushed; the top trim broken off and the stand bent. Fortunately Ansonia made these parts out of brass and the stand can be straightened and the top soldered (it is just setting on the top for photo). The dial has a small water stain, but is very good. The suspension spring and stop are MISSING, and doll is a new repro (German style – should be American style). Movement is otherwise sound. Hands original. The parts alone are worth the modest reserve. Height 15″ Reserve $350
Sold: $400 | Date: 5/8/2000 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, “Jumper No. 1” bobbing doll shelf clock with a spring driven one day timepiece movement in a nickel plated case.
The nickel plated stand is in very good condition. The paper dial has darkened with age and has minor staining. The porcelain bobbing doll may be original, but the sides of the original porcelain swing have been chipped off and the doll is now mounted on a wooden swing. The hands are original. The coiled spring is in good condition.
Sold: $400 | Date: April 29, 2017 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1889, Ansonia, Jumper No. 1 , in excellent original condition EXCEPT for incorrect replacement doll.
You’ll need to ask around for folks that make proper replacement dolls, as this one is too light to activate the escapement. Also the time set knob looks to have been replaced. However, this clock has great original finish and a super dial and is worth spending the time to find a doll. Clock ticks fine manually and movement is complete and sound. We sold the sister to this clock (with wrong doll) last October, lot 62 for $950. Height 15 1/4″
Sold: $1,000 | Date: April, 2002 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., “Jumper No. 1”, 30 hour bobbing doll novelty timepiece. Movement supported by a single pole, nickel plated stand, the pin pallet movement runs by the action of the ceramic doll bobbing up and down. Doll is a replacement. c.1894
a very clean timepiece in as a found condition with normal oxidation to the metal. Original paper dial has turned quite dark from age. Hands are original. Movement is in running condition with the doll showing lively action, but would probably benefit from a cleaning. H. 15.3″
Sold: $1000 | Date: May 15, 2011 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1894, Ansonia Clock Co., “Jumper No. 1”, 30-hour bobbing doll timepiece in generally good condition,
with replaced doll (plastic) and a tear drop added to provide enough weight for it to escape. The nickel plated case is in good condition with a couple of dings on the base and a crease on one side of the back cover. The original paper dial is very clean with a very small stain; some dirt behind lens needs cleaning out. Height 15.5 inches
Sold: $600 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1894, Ansonia, “Jumper No. 1” in nice restored condition,
with proper reproduction doll. The original dial is excellent. Top cast trim is bent but not broken. Height 15 inches
Sold: $700 | Date: October 18, 2003 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Jumper No. 1” bobbing doll shelf clock with a spring driven one day timepiece movement in a nickel plated case.
The nickel plated stand is in very good condition. The paper dial has darkened with age and has minor staining. The porcelain bobbing doll is replaced, but has age. The hands are original. The coiled spring is in good condition. The movement is signed.
Sold: $300 | Date: October 27, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1894 Ansonia Clock Co., ÒJumper No. 1Ó, 30-hour Bobbing doll timepiece.
Condition: Nickel plated case is in quite nice condition with some wear in spots and more general wear on the base. The original paper dial is faded in places and darkened a little, but quite nice for its age. The hands are original. The doll is not original, but a very nice replacement, well made. Height 15.25 inches
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: October 31, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts