Royal Bonn Porcelain Mantle Clock

Item Details

A Royal Bonn porcelain mantle clock, manufactured by the Franz Anton Mehlem pottery in Bonn, Germany and imported by the Ansonia Clock Company. This clock dates to approximately 1881. The clock is highly ornate in design with a decorative finial to the top in pale sky blue with yellow flower transfer decals. The pediment of the clock curves down on either side of the top to a ledge with transfers of lavender blossoms. Under the finial, to the front, is an openwork pediment with a scrollwork detail, handpainted in pale blue with gold enameled accents. The clock face is behind round, beveled glass on a hinged door with brass scrollwork detail. Behind the glass, the clock face is surrounded by brass leaf detail, the chapter ring is ceramic with painted Arabic numbers. The hour hand is harp-like with an arrow-shaped minute hand. There are two keyholes to the face and a portion of the escapement is visible behind the hands. The ceramic housing is highly embellished with a scroll to either side of the lower pediment, leading to stiles of blue painted ceramic to the base, which has a shell-like detail design and acanthus leaves with scrolled feet to the base at front. The surface of the front and sides of the clock is resplendent with transfers of lavender, pink and yellow flowers. To the reverse is a hinged tin door which swings up to reach the escapement. The works are marked, ‘Patented June 8, 1882’ and ‘Patented Ansonia Clock Co. 6|4|81 / New / USA.’ The pendulum is present and the clock sounds a pleasing Westminster chime when the hands are manually turned. A beautiful antique. Although not exact, the link here gives an approximation of the chime for a later model Ansonia clock; the listed clock chime is deeper and more resonant. The winding key is present.

Condition

- to fair. Wear is consistent with age and use. Clock was not set and tested, but the chime does sound at the hour and half hour when hands are manually turned. There is some minor crazing to the surface in spots; the screws are rusty.

Dimensions

Item #

15CIN342-321