Ansonia Clock Company
A Legacy of American Timekeeping Founded in 1844 by Anson Greene Phelps in Ansonia, Connecticut, the Ansonia Clock Company became a cornerstone of American horology, crafting millions of clocks renowned for their affordability and ornate designs. Starting as a brass manufacturing subsidiary, it launched clock production in 1850 with skilled Bristol clockmakers Theodore Terry and Franklin C. Andrews. After a 1877 fire, Ansonia relocated to Brooklyn, New York, expanding into a powerhouse of decorative mantel Clocks.
The 1882 Ansonia Rosalind Angel Clock, a cast iron mantel timepiece, gained fame in the Victorian era for its exquisite craftsmanship and elegant design. Produced during Ansonia’s peak, this clock features a black-enameled, hourglass-shaped case with gilded filigree and distinctive winged female figures flanking the handles, adding a striking feminine motif. Its eight-day time-and-strike mechanism chimes hourly, blending precision with beauty. This piece is in outstanding condition, and showcases the intricate artistry that made the Rosalind a standout, reflecting Ansonia’s knack for combining functionality with ornate Victorian aesthetics.
The Ansonia Roman Soldier with Open Escapement clock is a figural mantel clock from the company’s peak production period, circa 1880s-1890s. This model typically features a cast metal or spelter figure of a Roman soldier, often depicted in a seated or standing pose, alongside a round clock with a porcelain dial and an open escapement, revealing the moving gears for a visually striking effect. The clock is supported on a marble or cast iron base, often with paw feet, and measures approximately 13.5-15.5 inches high, 15-17.5 inches wide, and 7-7.5 inches deep. It is powered by an eight-day time-and-strike movement, chiming on a gong, and includes a key for winding.
Ansonia Clock Company began incorporating porcelain into its clock designs in the late 19th century, with production peaking from the 1880s to the early 1900s. These porcelain clocks, often crafted in collaboration with German manufacturers like Royal Bonn, became highly popular during the Victorian era for their delicate beauty and intricate hand-painted designs. Featuring vibrant floral motifs, scenic landscapes, or pastoral scenes, the clocks were typically mantel models with eight-day time-and-strike movements, encased in finely molded porcelain with glossy finishes in pastel or rich colors. A standout feature of the most sought-after Ansonia porcelain clocks is their fully painted cases, adorned on all sides-front, sides, and sometimes top-with elaborate polychrome designs, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. These all-sided painted clocks are more valuable due to their rarity and the labor-intensive artistry involved, often commanding higher prices among collectors for their exquisite detail and historical charm.
Tiffany & Co. & Japy Frères: A Legacy of Luxury
This exceptional mantel clock is a tangible piece of a unique transatlantic partnership that defined 19th-century luxury. While the clock bears the prestigious Tiffany & Co. name, its precision is the work of Japy Frères, a pioneer of French industrial clockmaking.
The Maker (Japy Frères): Based in France, Japy Frères revolutionized clock production in the 19th century. Their movements, known for reliability, were awarded a “Medaille d’Honneur” at international exhibitions—a stamp of their superior quality and craftsmanship.
The Retailer (Tiffany & Co.): As a premier American luxury curator, Tiffany & Co. did not make their own movements. Instead, they commissioned the finest pieces from European masters like Japy Frères. The Tiffany stamp is a powerful mark of prestige, guaranteeing the clock met their exacting standards for design and quality.
The Design: The clock’s luxurious onyx case, ornate gilt bronze columns, and intricate gold filigree dial are hallmarks of high-end 19th-century design. This blend of opulent materials and masterful artistry makes it a highly sought-after collectible.
This timepiece is a rare combination of French mechanical genius and American luxury curation.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company
The Seth Thomas Clock Company, founded in 1813, is one of the most iconic names in American clockmaking with a rich history spanning centuries. Known for their quality craftsmanship and diverse range of timepieces, they produced everything from classic mantle and wall clocks to intricate grandfather clocks. While the original company is no longer in operation, Seth Thomas clocks remain highly collectible and are cherished for their historical significance and enduring design. Exploring the legacy of Seth Thomas clocks offers a glimpse into American craftsmanship and the evolution of timekeeping.
A Legacy Ticking Through Time: Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks
Founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller in Zeeland, Michigan, the Howard Miller Clock Company grew from a family tradition of German clockmaking into one of the most respected names in timekeeping. Initially known for chiming wall and mantel clocks, the company paused production during World War II to manufacture anti-aircraft gun covers, then returned to clockmaking with bold, modern designs.
In the 1960s, Howard Miller began producing the grandfather clocks that would define its legacy. Combining precision German Kieninger movements with finely crafted hardwood cases, beveled glass, and elegant moldings, the company soon became the world’s largest grandfather clock manufacturer. Over the years, it expanded into curios, furniture, and upholstery, acquiring Hekman Furniture, Woodmark Upholstery, and Kieninger to strengthen both design and production.
After nearly a century, Howard Miller announced in July 2025 that it would close its manufacturing operations, citing rising costs, tariffs, inflation, and a weak housing market. About 195 employees in Michigan and North Carolina will be affected, with production ending in late 2025 and remaining inventory sold into 2026. Though a buyer could not be found, the company leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship that will continue to resonate in homes for generations to come.
A Masterpiece by Vincenti & Cie (Médaille d’Argent 1855)
Green Onyx Jeweled Clock
The art of horology reached new heights in the 19th century, with French clockmakers leading the way in innovation and design. Among the most esteemed names of this era was Vincenti & Cie, a company that consistently produced timepieces of exceptional quality and beauty. One such masterpiece that stands as a testament to their skill is the Green Onyx Jeweled Clock.
This clock, which bears the prestigious “Médaille d’Argent 1855” (Silver Medal 1855) mark, is a rare and exquisite example of French Second Empire design. The medal, awarded at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, recognized Vincenti & Cie for their outstanding craftsmanship and technical prowess.
Design and Materials
The clock’s striking visual appeal is primarily due to its vibrant green onyx case. Onyx, a form of chalcedony, was a popular material for decorative arts during this period due to its rich, translucent appearance. The deep green color of the onyx, often with natural banding, creates a sense of luxury and sophistication.
The Legacy of Vincenti & Cie
Vincenti & Cie was founded by Jean Vincenti in Montbéliard, France.4 The company gained a reputation for producing high-quality clock movements, which were used by many other Parisian clockmakers.5 The “Médaille d’Argent 1855” mark signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s history, solidifying its place among the elite of French horology.
The Chelsea Clock Company
A celebrated symbol of maritime tradition, renowned for its distinctive bell striking pattern and lasting quality. Originating from the Chelsea Clock Company, this clock replicates the timekeeping system used on ships, where bells marked the watches and shifts. Crafted with precision in the United States, the Chelsea Ships Bell Clock became a standard for maritime navigation, trusted for its accuracy and durability in harsh sea conditions. Its distinctive brass casing and melodious chiming sequence evoke a sense of nautical heritage, making it a prized collectible and a timeless piece of craftsmanship.
