Ansonia Royal Bonn “Dresden Extra” 8 day mantle clock. circa late 1800’s. recently serviced . Runs great!

Rich in beauty and history, this Ansonia Royal Bonn “Dresden Extra” 8-day mantle clock, was exclusive manufacture for and used The American Wringer Company to incentivize people to purchase their clothes wringer in the late 1800s. The mechanism was created by of the US-based Ansonia Clock Company, and the porcelain case was made by the German-based Royal Bonn company. This clock measures 12.5” in height, 13” in width and 4.5” deep.

Repair and Restoration: The porcelain case was damaged (top peak was broken off) so I repaired and reaffixed it. The movement was cleaned, oiled and examined for any defects. Adjusted and put in beat on a level surface, clock has been running well for weeks in my shop and strikes the hour and half hour. Comes with key and pendulum.

History: Founded in 1851, the Ansonia Clock Company quickly became one of the largest clock manufacturers in the US – producing a wide variety of clocks from simple, cheap models to ornate, expensive ones. During its peak production years (late 1800 and early 1900s), Ansonia was one of the largest clock manufacturers in the world., producing over one million clock per year.

Renowned potter and artist Franz Anton Mehlem founded Royal Bonn ceramics in 1836 in Bonn, Germany. Popular among elite European aristocracy, Royal Bonn manufactured high-quality earthenware and porcelain.

This model clock was manufactured exclusively for The American Wringer Company. It was marketed as a free gift to purchasers of their clothing wringer. It was invented in 1888 by Ellen Elgin, a Black housekeeper. Her name is not on the patent as she was quoted in the April 1890 issue “Woman Inventor,” stating: “I am Black and if it was known that a Negro woman patented the invention, White ladies would not buy the wringer. I was afraid to be known because of my color in having it introduced into the market that is the only reason.” Elgin sold her the patent to her wringer for $18 to Cyrenus Wheeler, Junior whose name is on the patent. He did not provide Elgin with any subsequent revenue or profits from the wringer.

Thank you for visiting Dairy Lou House Clocks – please contact me with any questions!