History of Ansonia Mantel Clocks

Ansonia mantel clocks were made by one of the most important American clock manufacturers of the nineteenth century.  The Ansonia Clock Company produced millions of clocks during its time in business from 1850 to 1929.  As a result, many fine examples of their work survive, made from a variety of materials such as brass, ormolu, porcelain, onyx, wood and slate.

In 1844, Anson Green Phelps started the Ansonia Brass Company, which became a leader in metal importation in New York. This company formed a subsidiary they called the Ansonia Clock Company. Phelps partnered with clockmakers, Theodore Terry and Franklin Andrews to produce clocks that make use of his brass raw materials. This became a very good team when Terry and Andrews decided to sell half of their clock making business to Phelps and move to Ansonia, Connecticut where the brass plant is.

The company emerged as the leader in clock manufacturing until a huge fire extremely damaged the Ansonia factory. The brass mill continued with good business and clock making began full-scale again under the company Ansonia Brass & Copper, Co.

Between the years 1915 to 1920, clock companies struggled due to the grave effects of World War I. Ansonia’s novelty clock, which sold really well during the early part of the 1900s, had very stiff competition. An unfortunate business decision to cut on prices spelled a financial disaster and Ansonia was forced to decrease its line of clock products.

The long history of the Ansonia mantel clock has made it one of the most coveted among collectible clocks. The age-old class and elegance that remained to be its trademark has made it gain popularity in modern times.