Information and pictures by William Mittlestadt.

Every collector wants a nice parlor clock in their collection and the Gilbert Amphion is one of the most sought after. What makes this clock so desirable is the cut glass mirrors and cut glass pendulum. This particular clock has the optional alarm.

You will notice the cast iron bracket for the alarm is mounted up from the base of the clock and not to the backboard. George B. Owens did this because he thought isolating the alarm would enhance the sound of his cathedral gong.

This clock was purchased here in Sheboygan Wis. in January 1884 for a wedding gift. If you look closely just below the pendulum you will sell the jeweler's label on the backboard.

The clock is walnut and is 25" tall with a 6" dial. Again this is a clock where they made several versions, this is the early version. The later version was cheapened up and the top had band sawed out trim instead of turned balls on top. Another thing to look for when buying clocks is a nice label.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

[This message was edited by Tom Seymour on September 08, 2003 at 14:55.]

Gilbert Amphion

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

(Thanks Bill for the great parlor clock.)

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

...a very nice clock to be sure...think tho' that the dial could be brightened a lot w/what appears to be missing keyhole grommets...Jim C

On such an original condition clock I certianly didn't want to change the dial paper. Both grommets are there however the paper dial over the years has darkened with age.

William Mittelstadt

I guess this would qualify for the "Parlor clock" category. It is the Ansonia "Windsor" or a close variation of it.

It is 21.5 inches high. 8day, time and strike. The sides are mirrors and set at an angle to the front of the case. In front of each mirror is a cherub statue. The cherub theme is repeated in the glass. Unlike the "Monarch" in Tran's book, this one has the mask as part of the ornamentation at the top of the case. Others in the catalogue also had masks.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

The top decorations.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

The glass which continues the cherub theme of the side statues.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

The movement is the typical Ansonia with the arch at the bottom. The pendulum has two hollow tin cylendars to simulate the mercury jar pendulum of the larger models.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

The Windsor certianly qualifies as a parlor clock. It is slightly smaller than the Triumph which is your typical "mirrorside parlor clock" but in my estimation a more finely detailed clock. It has the correct pendulum and a "drop dead" glass. Mny times the glass makes the clock and this one is a good example of that.

William Mittelstadt

Bill,
You are absolutely right. It was the glass that made this one a "must have." I also like the smaller size, but it was the glass that made the sale.

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

Bill,
On the Amphion, it looks like the pendulum bob is crystal. Is it clear or mirrored on the back? Same question about the piece at the center bottom of the case - mirrored or clear?

Tom Seymour
NAWCC #41293
IHC #104
IHC Exec.V.P.

Tom they are all mirrors. That pendulum was used on several Gilbert clocks. Kroeber also used a pendulum that was very simular on numerous clocks.

William Mittelstadt