Q & A

S. H. of Martin's River, Nova Scotia writes:

I received this clock from my mother. It came from the estate of F.A. Grothe in Montreal who was her husband’s grandfather. The clock appears to be brass on the inside; it is painted green on the outside with gilt accents. The paint is in excellent condition. On the back of the clock movement is Anson Clock Com New York US with a symbol of an ‘A’ inside two squares. The outer square is on its point and the inner square is on the flat side. Scratched on the back of the door is: P4080 and K337D. The clock is in perfect running order and still chimes. I have the original winder key. I would like to have a ball park figure to insure this piece. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it.

We asked Mike Wagnell to respond:

Your clock was made by the Ansonia Clock Company of New York within the last decade of the nineteenth century. This manufacturer was operative at that location from approx. 1878 to 1930, having previously been located in Connecticut from 1851 – 1878.

It is somewhat difficult to get a full concept of the clock, and although I have tried to enhance the pictures themselves, it is unclear whether the statue is a bronze color or not. Nevertheless from what I can see it is a very handsome piece, and Ansonia items are highly collectible.

Based on your description of the excellent condition of the clock, I feel that an insurance value of $750 - $850 should be placed on it.