Antique 1886 Ansonia Cast Iron Figural Mantel Clock Empire Running Original

🕰️ Antique 1886 Ansonia Figural Cast Iron Mantel Clock – Empire Revival – Running

Offered here is a rare and highly collectible Antique Ansonia Clock Company mantel clock, manufactured in New York, USA in 1886, with the production year factory-stamped directly on the movement.

This example features a distinctive and uncommon figural case design, with sculptural head mounts in the form of a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress, executed in gilt relief on each side of the case. This dramatic figural treatment reflects Ansonia’s most artistic production period of the late Victorian era, and is far less common than standard architectural or floral ornamentation.

The case is constructed of heavy cast iron, finished in its original black ebonized coating with applied gilt decorative elements, resting on ornate gilt feet. This early cast-iron construction was expensive and labor-intensive to produce, reserved for Ansonia’s higher-grade models of the 1880s.

🔩 Mechanical & Construction Details

* Manufacturer: Ansonia Clock Co., New York

* Year: 1886 (factory stamped on movement)

* Movement: 8-day spring-driven, time & strike

* Original brass movement plates with Ansonia stamp

* Heavy cast-iron case with original ebonized finish

* Gilt bezel, applied figural side mounts, and ornate feet

* Roman numeral dial

* Twin winding arbors

⏱️ Condition & Function

The clock is in excellent running order and keeps time properly.
Strike functions correctly.
Movement is clean and intact.

Included are multiple original Ansonia pendulum bobs (very uncommon to find together) and the original winding key.

The case remains structurally solid, with only minor age-appropriate wear. One small area of finish loss on the rear reveals the underlying cast iron (see photos), confirming the authenticity of the materials and construction.

🏛️ Collector Notes

This is a high-grade example of late-19th-century American figural clockmaking, combining early cast-iron construction, factory-dated movement, distinctive sculptural ornamentation, and complete original components. Pieces of this quality and preservation level are increasingly scarce on today’s market and are especially sought after by collectors of Ansonia, figural clocks, and Victorian decorative arts.