A Brief History of the Ansonia Mantel Clock

Ansonia mantel clocks are probably one of the more historical clocks of all time. The Ansonia Clock Company made these clocks during their reign in the nineteenth century. The company has produced millions of clocks during its lifetime in the business from 1850 to 1929.

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 seriously 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.