About the Ansonia “Olympia and Castanet Player” Clock
Title: Ansonia “Olympia and Castanet Player” Clock Model: A Collector’s Guide
The Ansonia “Olympia and Castanet Player” clock is a unique and captivating novelty timepiece that embodies the spirit of innovation in American clockmaking. Produced between 1895 and 1902, this model stands out from other Ansonia productions due to its integrated music box, setting it apart as one of the first mass-produced clocks with a built-in musical feature.
The typical case materials for the “Olympia and Castanet Player” are brass, nickel, and mahogany veneer, with intricate scrollwork and ornamentation characteristic of the Victorian era. The overall design is reminiscent of the popular Ansonia regulator clocks, but with a more compact size, making it suitable for mantels or wall mounting.
What makes the “Olympia and Castanet Player” clock collectible is its rarity, historical significance, and musical functionality. This clock represents a pivotal moment in the history of American clocks, as it combined timekeeping with entertainment through its castanets-playing mechanism. Notable features include the hidden music box compartment, which houses a set of six metal castanets that play a short melody every hour on the hour, and the miniature drummer figurine that operates the castanets.
Collectors should look for original components, such as the intact castanet mechanism, working musical movement, and undamaged figurines, to ensure the clock is in optimal condition. Restorations can be costly, so acquiring a well-preserved “Olympia and Castanet Player” clock can provide great value for enthusiasts of American antique clocks and music box history
Auction Records and Price History
The following 1 auction record(s) show actual sale prices for the Ansonia “Olympia and Castanet Player” model clock. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and current market demand. Search for more records on AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com.
Ansonia “Olympia & Castanet Player” Statue Clock
8 Day half hour gong strike; porcelain dial; beveled glass. (Dial has 2 chips; new hands; repainted.) Not tested. 24 1/2″
Sold: $325 | Date: Feb 18th, 2012 | Source: Tom Harris Auctions