Original Listing Description

This is an Ansonia "Crystal Palace No. 1" clock, in working condition, complete with Dome. Outstanding Ansonia "Crystal Palace" No. 1 Clock, 8 Day T&S, Clean & Running Outstanding Ansonia "Crystal Palace" No. 1 Clock, 8 Day T&S, Clean & Running Click images to enlarge Description Heritage Matters SCARCE & POPULAR ANSONIA CLOCK CRYSTAL PALACE No. 1 8 DAY T&S CIRCA 1880s This is a guaranteed genuine antique Ansonia Crystal Palace No. 1 clock. Various different figures are seen in these clocks; this one has the Hunter (or Rifleman) and the Fisherman. It is possible that the base was refinished some years ago, I am not sure. As far as I can tell, everything is ORIGINAL: the statues, the pendulum, dial, hands, AND the glass dome! That makes it especially desirable. Altogether, it stands about 19 inches tall, on a 15 X 6 inch base. The top of the dial is 16.5 inches tall, while the dome itself is 17 inches tall. These were expensive clocks when new, and the first owners tended to take very good care of them. That was not always the case with subsequent owners however, especially if they thought the clock was old-fashioned or hopelessly out of style. In these cases, it was often consigned to a damp basement or attic, or some out-building, and the domes often got broken in the process. This particular example however seems to have escaped such a fate; you can tell it was well cared for throughout its life. There is some loss of gold wash on the statues (I understand it was very thin to begin with, and ordinary household cleaners can easily remove it). There is some roughness to the base of the dome, but nothing that (in my opinion) rises to the level of a chip, and absolutely NO cracks or breaks. I am quite certain the mirror is original, with a small amount of darkening. The dial is good and quite uniform in color. The wood which supports the movement has minimal scarring ( see photos), and actually may be original to the wood used. The movement was rather clean when I got it, but I cleaned it ultrasonically anyway and lubricated it. It is running quite nicely now and strikes the hour and half-hour on a bell. It comes with a key, which is modern. I have seen some date this model as early as 1875. However, the patent date on the movement is 1882, so that probably dates it to the 1880s. The model name seems to have been "borrowed" from the Crystal Palace at the 1851 London Exposition. That glass and iron building, regarded as the first truly "modern" building, enclosed some 19 acres. It was moved to the London suburb of Sydenham about 1854. Although deteriorated, it stood until 1936 when destroyed by a fire. I sell all electrical and mechanical devices in "as-is" condition as they can easily get out of adjustment or even broken in transit. Even then, however, you still have a 30 day inspection period during which the item can be returned or any reason--however it must be returned in the same condition in which I shipped it, meaning if there is damage, an insurance claim must be made. Please ask questions and study the photos carefully, as they are part of the description. PLEASE NOTE: this clock will be shipped in TWO boxes, one of the clock itself and the other for the dome. Placing both in one box is an almost certain recipe for breakage! Consequently, the first invoice (which eBay sends out automatically) will not be correct, and payment based on it will not be honored. Wait until you receive a second invoice, which I will send out as soon as I can after the end of the sale. Box #1 will be 20 X 14 X 12 inches and weighs 12 pounds. Box #2 will be 24 X 18 X 12 inches and weighs 10 pounds. A box that size is necessary to protect the dome. Both will be shipped from Zip Code 20601. You may of course run these dimensions through your preferred shipper, OR contact me for a binding cost, which will include the eBay shipping discount. Should there be a problem with your purchase, please contact me directly through the eBay mail system. I can and will do the same things directly that I would through eBay, and probably more quickly. NO RESERVE! MY PLEDGE TO YOU: no surprises! I will provide high-resolution scans; I will fully describe each item, obverse and reverse, positives and negatives, possibilities, likelihoods, what I suspect, and which is which; and I will provide as much historical context as I can. Now, I believe that the only people who never make mistakes are those who never say or do anything, so consequently, there will be times I am wrong. There, you are covered by my guarantee. MY GUARANTEE TO YOU: I guarantee each item to be genuine as described. After you receive your purchase, you will have a 30 day inspection period; and if you are dissatisfied for any reason, simply return the item (in its original condition) for an immediate refund of your purchase price. Furthermore, if in the inspection period, you decide to send the item for expertizing, I will extend the period until its return from the expert of your choice. If it returns with an opinion of not genuine, or of being significantly different from how I describe it, I will also reimburse you for the expertizing fee. And the ONLY exception to my guarantee is that I am not responsible for mishandling by the mail system, and any damages incurred therein. That is what insurance is for, and it is automatic on this item. Pictures sell!Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing.300+ Listing Templates Auctiva gets you noticed!The complete eBay Selling Solution. Track Page Views WithAuctiva's Counter (Condition: Pre-Owned)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.