Henry J. Davies of New York.

Henry J. Davies operated a clock-related business at No. 5 Courtland Street in New York, New York, from 1858 through 1886. Today, Davies is probably best known for his Crystal Place mantel clock design. This clock, introduced in 1874, was displayed under a glass dome. Oftentimes, figures were mounted aside from the mounted movement and usually incorporated a mirror behind the pendulum. The vast majority of these clocks were powered by Ansonia manufactured movements and were later cataloged as Ansonia clocks when Davies became the General Manager of the Brooklyn, New York plant. Davies also received several patents for his designs, including one for the now very collectible illumination alarm clock. These alarm clocks were designed to mechanically strike a match which in turn lit an oil lamp mounted in the clock’s case. The result was the illuminating of the room. One then could easily make their way around the interior or perhaps read the clock's dial. This system was to compete with the simple and safe bell alarm format.

 

 

Clocks From This Maker

Henry J. Davies Walnut Parlor Clock. 217041. Delaney Antique Clocks.
Henry J. Davies Walnut Parlor Clock. Ansonia Clock Company. Mantel or shelf clock. 217041.
This very interesting and decorative mantel clock was made by the Ansonia Clock Company of Ansonia, Connecticut, and improved by Henry J. Davies of New York. This is another lovely Davies offering. Essentially it is an Ansonia parlor clock that has… read more
Henry J. Davies. An Illuminating Alarm Clock. Mantel of shelf clock. YY-54. Delaney Antique Clocks.
Henry J. Davies. An Illuminating Alarm Clock. Mantel of shelf clock. YY-54.
This Illuminated Alarm Clock was made circa 1876 by Henry Davies of New York. On August 25, 1867, Henry J. & Walter D. Davies applied for a patent to improve alarm clocks' lighting attachments. This is one version of one such improvement. We… read more