Ansonia Fisher Swing or Mystery Clock. 226006.
This fine example of an American Swing clock by the Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York, highlights the craftsmanship of the 1880s. The 'Fisher Ball Swing' model reflects the Art Nouveau era's fascination with sculpture, showcasing figurative themes like Dianna, Juno, and Fortuna, which symbolize liberty, victory, and abundance. Made of Spelter metal with a patinated bronze finish, it exemplifies the artistic trends and manufacturing quality of its time.
This allegorical woman figure, depicted in a flowing gown, holds a string of fish in her left hand, symbolizing abundance. Her right arm raised above her head supports the swing clock mount, with the mechanism enclosed inside the upper ball. This detailed figurative sculpture enhances the clock's artistic appeal and historical significance.
The upper ball features applied cast decorations and a dial composed of applied or raised brass numerals—the upper decorative casting is bent at the top. The movement is encased in this top ball section. It is made of brass and measures almost 4 inches in diameter. It is an eight-day time-only design with the pendulum swinging behind it. Below this upper ball is the pivot point for the swing. Three delicate suspension springs provide the breakpoint. Below this is a rod and then a smaller ball. When this clock is running, the entire unit moves or swings like a pendulum. It is very attractive.
This clock was made circa 1883 and initially sold for $32.00.
This clock, measuring approximately 24.5 inches tall overall and 18 inches to the top of the arm, offers a substantial presence, enhancing its desirability for collectors seeking a standard-sized piece with notable design.
Inventory number 226006.
The Ansonia Clock Company was established as a subsidiary of the Ansonia Brass Company on May 7, 1850, by Anson Phelps, Theodore Terry, and Franklin Andrews. Phelps, a prominent metals dealer residing in Ansonia, Connecticut, partnered with Terry and Andrews, renowned clockmakers from Bristol. This mutually beneficial arrangement boosted Phelps' brass sales while ensuring Terry and Andrews access to superior materials at favorable prices. In 1877, nearly all production moved to New York. Two years later, a new Brooklyn factory was opened, employing 360 workers. After a devastating fire in 1880, the factory was rebuilt and expanded on the same site. Due to the Brooklyn facility's success and increased capacity, the Connecticut factory closed in 1883. By 1886, Ansonia produced 225 different clock models, gaining fame for its iron-cased mantel clocks. Manufacturing and profits peaked around 1914, with 440 models in production. However, in 1929, just months before the stock market crash, the company entered receivership. Most of its equipment and dies were sold to Russia's Amtorg Trading Corporation in September of that year. Decades later, in 1969, the rights to the Ansonia name, trademarks, and goodwill were transferred to the Ansonia Clock Co., Inc., in Lynnwood, Washington.
