Ansonia Diana the Huntress Ball Swing Clock. An American made Mystery Clock. 217199.

This is a fine example of an American Swing clock made by the Ansonia Clock Company, U.S.A. The Ansonia Company first introduced this form, the swing clock, in the 1880s. This model is the "Huntress Ball Swing." In addition to this model, The Ansonia Clock Company offered various other statue figures and sizes.

This example measures approximately 24.5 inches tall overall and 17.75 inches tall to the top of the arm. It is considered one of the standard sizes. The patina on the figure is in very good condition. It has several small areas of loss to the original surface. The figure Diana does have one minor repair to her upper hand. The post that supports the swing arm has been re-secured, and the thumb has been remolded and colored to match. The balls are treated in a gold finish. They remain in a historic finish. The patina is very good.

This statue figure of Dianna is one of the most enduring of the great Classical Goddesses. Diana is the Roman name for the Greek Goddess Artemis. Diana is a lunar divinity dedicated to the waxing crescent. She has many titles: Maiden Huntress, Mistress of the Beasts, Queen of the Night, Lady of the Grove. Dianna is one of the virgin goddesses who was, first and foremost, a women's goddess. She never married and preferred to roam the woodlands with Her retinue of nymphs and forest creatures. All young animals were sacred to Her as She was their protector. Her favorites were bears, deer, hares, cats, hounds, and other animals and birds associated with the Moon. Here, she is holding with a bow and a quiver full of arrows. The statue is finished in a bronze finish over white metal.

The figure's raised right arm supports the mechanism and the swing. The upper ball features applied cast decorations and a dial composed of applied or raised brass numerals—the upper decorative casting is bent at the top. The movement is encased in this top ball section. It is made of brass and measures almost 4 inches in diameter. It is an eight-day time-only design with the pendulum swinging behind it. Below this upper ball is the pivot point for the swing. Three delicate suspension springs provide the breakpoint. Below this is a rod and then a smaller ball. When this clock is running, this entire unit moves or swings like the motion of a pendulum. It is very attractive.

This clock was made circa 1890 and originally sold for approximately $29.00.

Inventory number 217199.