Posted 10 years ago
schallerpen
(23 items)
Picked this up a couple weeks ago 1886 era Ansonia cast iron clock 40 years of collecting and didn't realize they existed it weighs 28.4 pounds and it's model name is Italy.
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Nice....Open Escapement and good porcelain enamel dial too. Thanks for sharing this great example.
Thanks Bruce99
Got it running great and it is in need of refinishing the case, a lot of missing and chipped paint so once finished it will look great on the fireplace
May I make a suggestion? If this were my clock I would try a minimal approach first. Clean it up with automobile rubbing/polishing compound and then apply a good coat of car paste wax to the enamel finish. You might be surprised at the amount of grunge and dirt that builds up over time. After all, the clock is pretty old. A good clean up and wax may bring out enough of the original appearance that you'll be happy with it and the wax will slow down any further corrosion. Refinishing can diminish the value of the clock unless the original finish is so bad that it can no longer protect the case (or it looks horrible). Just a suggestion for whatever it may be worth... A nice looking Ansonia in any case.
Bruce99
Under normal circumstances I would take your suggestion but this clock is more cast iron than paint, I to hate to steer away from original but putting wax into a pourous metal can lead to problems if it ever were refinished, I painted cars for a good number of years so the actual refinishing doesn't intimidate me, but I understand what your saying about value and it's always hard to tell what items directly fall into that category. Thanks Dave.
Bruce99,
Any thought as to value refinish or not? I haven't a clue of that, I did however see another collector stated this clock was only listed in the 1886 catalog and no catalog before or after, so he thought it was somewhat rare thanks.
Here's an example that I found which auctioned for $170 back in 2005: http://p2.la-img.com/114/1542/696247_1_l.jpg I think that was a pretty low price (equivalent to around $200 today). Here's a link to eBay's recent "Sold" listings for Ansonia Cast Iron Clocks: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40%7CR40&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=&_dmd=1&_ipg=200&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=ansonia+cast+iron+clock&_sop=3
It's hard to say at what point refinishing won't devalue a clock. If you have good experience and you think you'd be happier with the clock if you refinish it then I would say go ahead. There are many approaches but I would try to use period appropriate materials if possible. Others might powder coat it. Do a good job with quality materials and I think you'll be okay with your restoration.
I'm curious to know what style open escapement movement it has chrome plated, textured, or embosed plates? Does it have a sound board, or is the gong attached to the case?