Clocks, Watches/Ansonia "Parisian"

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Expert: - 10/25/2009


Question

Ansonia "Parisian" Wor
Kenneth,

I have figured out that I have come across an Ansonia "Parisian" wall clock based on the Trademark "A" on the paper face and the AB&CC stamped on the inside of the bell.  

From pictures, it looks like the crown finial is one of the original side finials and the side finials have been replaced with some inferior but OK substitutes.  The painted glass (two men with stalks for legs and flowers coming out of their heads), the face and the finish are remarkably good and the wooden bust is still attached to the top center.  The pendulum is double-barrel with a lyre decoration which some appraiser websites and picture show it should be.

The tag is no longer attached to the back but there is a "Pat 23 Mar 76 stamped into the thin brass edge on the face.

It appears to work however it came with 4 keys and I am not sure which one is the correct one, nor am I sure about how and when to wind it.

My question for you is about the works, key, winding instructions and the approximate manufacture date.  

Without removing the work to look at the back of it, there is only a "6" stamped in the lower right corner of the front of the "H" shaped works.  I could only attach one picture so I have attached one of the works.  More are available upon request.  Is this the original or a replacement works?

What should the key look like?

What are the winding instructions?

The clock appears to keep time perfectly but occaisionally, I come and find it stopped after several hours (possibly from not being balanced on the wall.  The clock does not appear to need winding (yet) but I can't be sure - it runs well for a long time.

What is the approximate time period of this clock? Do you have a photo from a catalog that shows what it should have looked like.

Answer
see photo: http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/clockdetail.php?id=12235

and six others:
http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/manufmodelshow.php?manufacturer=Ansonia&m...


the Parisian is a shelf or table clock


any key that fits the square shaft properly will do to wind it - it is a 8 day clock - wind it onece a week. bot sides- fully till they stop.


do not know about the works- normally marked with maker- the pendulum suspension in your photo is not original and not proper- but should work ok-- the square winders have had their stop works gears removed that would have meshed with the two on the front legs to provide a positive stop when winding up-- lot of times these get "lost"- no problem.

if the dial is original with the "A" in a diamond logo and words and it fits the winder holes and has original mating screw holes in the wood case then the movement is probably original or one like it.

So made after 1876-- probably 1890-1900   There have been reproduction copies made comercially as this was a popular model--see:
http://www.merritts.com/store4/public/product.aspx?ProductID=80906&SearchText=nc...


your photo shows a works in need of winding

Kenneth Saunders

Expertise

any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks 40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner

Experience

40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.

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NAWCC

Education/Credentials
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