Rephrased news item: Schoolhouse-style Antique Ansonia Octagonal Short-Drop Clock
A Timeless Piece of American History: The Acquisition of an Ansonia Schoolhouse Clock
In a recent acquisition, a collector has added a piece of American history to their collection: an Ansonia octagonal short drop schoolhouse clock. This clock, a classic example of late 19th-century American design, was found in an antique store not far from where the collector resides.
The Ansonia Schoolhouse clock, as it is commonly known, was originally from a schoolhouse in Ontario, Canada. The term "schoolhouse clock" was later coined by collectors to describe a particular style of clock commonly found in school settings. The name, however, is not well-documented, and the origin of the term remains a mystery.
The Ansonia octagonal short drop clock is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Ansonia Clock Company, a notable American clock manufacturer based in New York during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The clock features an octagonal wood bezel/frame housing the dial, with a short drop pendulum case beneath, typically a regulator style used in schools and public buildings.
The clock's movement, stamped with the letters "TT" and "A.C.Co.", suggests a manufacturing date around the turn of the 20th century. The number 12 is also stamped on the movement, potentially referring to the year "1912" or a month. However, the exact year of the clock's manufacturing remains difficult to pinpoint.
Upon purchase, the clock was in good condition, but the face had been painted to hide stains. A closer inspection revealed that the clock needed a new bushing for the hour hand. Despite these minor issues, the collector was drawn to the clock's historical significance and the charm of its schoolhouse style.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Ansonia octagonal short drop clock is its calendar function. This feature was not common in clocks of this era, making the clock even more valuable to collectors. The collector, who is expanding their collection of wall clocks, is excited to restore the clock to its former glory and display it as a piece of American horological history.
For restoration or repair, experienced specialists familiar with American antique clocks such as those servicing Ansonia models are available. Identification of Ansonia clocks involves checking for “A.C.Co.” markings on movements or labels as a primary maker's mark.
In summary, the Ansonia octagonal short drop schoolhouse clock is a classic example of late 19th-century American regulator clocks designed for functional public timekeeping, distinguished by its octagonal dial frame and a compact pendulum case. It represents a key style in Ansonia’s diverse catalog of clocks and remains an important collectible for horology enthusiasts.
This acquisition expands the collector's horology collection with a vintage Ansonia Schoolhouse clock, a wall clock that embodies the charm of late 19th-century American design and is a significant addition to the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden lifestyle. With its unique calendar function and distinguished appearance, the Ansonia Schoolhouse clock is not only a functional timepiece but also a valued collectible in the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden realm.
