Ansonia Clock Company, Ansonia, Conn. "La Bretagne" Royal Bonn. Visible escapement. 220077.

This very colorful porcelain cased clock was made by the Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York, circa 1915. It is called the “La Bretagne” and is a cataloged model. It is named after the northwesternmost region in France. It is a peninsula that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean.

This clock is in very good original condition. The porcelain case was made in Germany by the Royal Bonn factory and is signed on the back with their seal, “Royal Bonn / Germany.” The rich coloring is applied over a light blue/green background. These vibrant tints include multiple shades of blues, yellows, purples, reds, and greens. In addition, the shaping of the case form is highlighted with applied gilding. This decorative detail remains in good original condition and shows little wear.

The French sash or bezel is fitted with beveled glass. This protects the enamel dial, which measures five inches in diameter. This dial is formatted with Arabic-style hour numerals around the time ring. The Makers name and the location of the company are printed along the lower rim. This dial is sunk in the center in order to provide room for the visible escapement. This provides a visual clue as the clock is operating. The Clockmaker’s trademark is also located on this inner level.

The eight-day movement is constructed with brass and strikes the hour as well as the half-hour on a coil wire gong. The movement is die-stamped on the back plate by the Manufacturer. These spring-powered movement are good runners and provide years of maintenance-free operation.

This model was offered in the Ansonia catalogs from 1895 through at least 1915. This porcelain case stands approximately 15 inches tall, 12.5 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep. In 1915, this clock originally sold for $14.25.

Inventory number 220077.