About the Ansonia “Niobe” Clock
Title: The Ansonia Niobe Clock Model: A Collector’s Delight
The Ansonia Niobe clock model, crafted by the renowned Ansonia Clock Company, is a captivating mantel clock that graced households during the late 19th century, roughly between 1870 and 1900. Known for its exquisite design and exceptional craftsmanship, the Niobe model represents the pinnacle of American clockmaking during this era.
Characterized by its distinctive case materials and design, the Ansonia Niobe clock boasts a brass or bronze body adorned with intricate floral motifs, classical figures, and elaborate scrollwork. The clock’s base is often decorated with a beveled glass or marble top, adding an air of elegance and sophistication. Notably, the Niobe model showcases a unique combination of Neo-Classical and Victorian aesthetics, making it both a historical artifact and a decorative masterpiece.
For collectors, the Ansonia Niobe clock model offers numerous appeal factors. Firstly, its association with the prestigious Ansonia Clock Company enhances its value. Secondly, the rarity of finding an intact Niobe clock in excellent condition increases its desirability among enthusiasts. Lastly, the intricate detailing and artisanal craftsmanship that went into each piece make the Niobe a true collector’s item, showcasing not only the history of American clockmaking but also the cultural evolution of design during this period.
Notable features of the Ansonia Niobe clock include its 8-day time-and-strike movement, hour and half-hour Westminster chime, and pendulum visible through an aperture in the case. Additionally, some versions may feature an or
Auction Records and Price History
The following 8 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Niobe” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Ansonia Clock Co. hanging clock, “Niobe”, ca 1904.
This is a very nice original clock. True, the case has been rubbed/polished, not refinished in the sense a harsh stripper cleaner was used. As I keep repeating, very few clocks are “refinished” anymore. Rubbing with a mild polish removes the darkest of the smoke and pollutants. This oak case is 45″ tall, of course the old chains with large wood acorns on the ends, fall much lower. Barley twist brass weights and the cast brass pendulum bob, are original. The clock is complete, has had no evident repairs, and we believe everything on and in the clock came from the factory. The 8 day movement is signed, strikes a cathedral gong hours and half hours. It has a heavy metal silver dial, raised numerals and minute marks, correct hands, and a cast inner dial. Brass ornaments all over the case, all intact and all original. This model usually sells at the big clock auctions between $4000 and $5000. Ly-Ansonia No. 577.
Sold: $2,495 | Date: 7/31/2010 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. hanging weight clock, “Niobe”, ca 1904.
Made in oak with antique brass trimmings, stands 45 inches high, twisted rope columns top to bottom. 8 day, chain pull up movement striking a gong on half hours, and is running fine. Twisted brass weights, 10 inch brass dial with raised brass numerals. Complete and original. Pendulum bob not like the one pictured in Ly-Ansonia No.577
Sold: $0 unsold | Date: January, 2002 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co. “Niobe”, ca 1904.
Ansonia madethis clock and the Hanging Antique model, to compete with WaterburyÕs largeline of open well, Library clocks. This clock is 45 inches high, made ofoak, has an abundance of brass applied trim, a brass dial, twisted brassweights, and the cast brass pendulum with a scene that includes 4 cupidsand a lion. This Niobe is a good example of the Library type clock. The catalogsshow this model with a 10 inch silver dial, ours is brass with raised brassnumerals. The twisted weights are opposite twists of the wood twist columnsthat are on the upper and lower sections of the case body. The movement is8 day, gong strike on half hours and hours, chain pull up weights, and itis running. This is a model we seldom see, and is complete. Ly-Ansonia No. 577.
Sold: $0 | Date: July, 2003 | Source: Horton’s Antique Clocks
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, NY, ÒNiobeÓ wall hanging clock with weight driven, 8 days, time and strike, movement in an oak case, c1904.
The oak case is in nice condition although the remaining finish is quite thin. The case is missing the twisted columns that should be to the right and left of the dial, one pair on the front edge of the case and the other at the back of the case. See Tran Duy LyÕs Ansonia Clocks & Watches book, page 178 for an image that shows these columns. The top splat is probably replaced as there is no hole for the finial. The dial and weights are original. The hands are replaced. The pendulum bob is original and in very nice condition. The movement uses pull up chains for the weights. Ht 41Ò.
Sold: $500 | Date: May 16, 2015 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Niobe”, 8 day, time and strike, weight driven, brass movement wall clock.
Oak case in nice condition with an original finish. Original raised numerals dial is very nice also. Original twist weights, hands and pendulum. Movement is signed by Ansonia and has a patent date of June 18, 1882.
Sold: $850 | Date: May 19, 2018 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts
C.1904, Ansonia Clock Co., “NIOBE”, oak cased wall regulator with fancy cast pendulum and twisty weights, and in excellent restored condition.
The case has been nicely refinished to a golden color. The cast brass trim pieces are all intact, as are the little cast weight stops that are so often missing. The silvering is worn off the dial plate which is now a coppery color, but other than that this is really a great example of this model, clean and running well. Height 45 inches
Sold: $2,450 | Date: May 8th, 2004 | Source: R.O. Schmitt Fine Arts
Oak Ansonia “Niobe” Weight Wall Clock
ornate trim, dial and pendulum; twisted weights. 44″
Sold: $1,200 | Date: October 1, 2011 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions
Ansonia Clock Co., New York, “Niobe” oak time and strike weight driven wall regulator with fancy cast pendulum, c1904
the rare and ornate case has its original surface which now is a bit dull and dry but no major losses or damage. The heavy cast metal dial has oxidized to an old patina, and the thick cast ornaments all are present. The movement is signed, but the rope twist weights are absent. Ht 45″
Sold: $700 | Date: October 26, 2013 | Source: R. O. Schmitt Fine Arts