Expert: Martin Meyer - 6/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Martin,
I am in Brisbane Australia and have been given an old Ansonia clock. I cannot find this model on the web. On the back inside the door it has Eight Day SALEM and inside it has Ansonia New York and I think 1888. Can you provide any information and advise if I am able to purchase a new numbers face for the clock.I would love to have it restored
Regards
David


ANSWER: Hi David,

The original dial on your clock had a fairly intricate stamped tin dial with openings cut in it in the numbers positions. There is also a second (probably) paper dial behind it, with the numbers on it, which show through the openings.

If you have the original tin dial, you will be able to replace the numbers dial behind it. If you are missing the tin dial, the only option for replacement is to obtain a similar model "parts" clock with a good dial.

For excellent laminated dials, including custom designed ones, see http://www.clockdials.com/ .


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for that information Martin, much appreciated. I cannot find anything on the web about the model type. Is there such a model as the Ansonia Eight Day 'Salem'. The dial is tin, but it has a copper centre peice and the paper numbers are on the outside.
David

Answer
Hi again David,

The paper numbers being on the outside of the dial will make replacing the numbers easy. The site I referred to previously can provide the correct size and style numbers, and you can cut them out and glue them to the dial, after removing the old numbers. There is a very good adhesive called "Quick Grab" or "Quick Grip" (they recently changed the name) which will be ideal for this application.

The standard reference for these clocks is Tran Duy Ly's Ansonia Clocks.  In my edition, your clock is on page 32. It is classified under "Cabinet Clocks", and is item number 71. Its name is definitely "Salem". The illustration in the book appears to be identical to your clock.