61.             $250

Ansonia/H.J. Davies “Monarch/Champion”, ca. 1880. The 25-inch walnut case matches that shown for the Monarch in the 1880 Ansonia catalog (Ly, Ansonia Clocks & Watches, page 448) – note the medals on either side of the drawer on the bottom.  However, the movement is marked “E.N. Welch”, and there is no evidence that it is a replacement; nor is there a manufacturer’s label on the back.  Hmmm.  Way back in 2010 Tom Harris sold a clock that matched this one but the label on the back said “Champion”, with H.J. Davies, New York, as the manufacturer/marketer. Davies used movements from various manufacturers in his clocks; he is best known for his “Crystal Palace” clocks (largely marketed by Ansonia).  It is possible that this clock was assembled by Davies in a Monarch case with a Welch movement.  It’s hard to explain the Welch movement otherwise; for this to make sense you must understand that many cases were made by independent casemakers and sold to clockmakers – this is why you often see the same clock model marketed by different manufacturers. 

The walnut case is clean but the metal ornaments have lost their finish, as has the fancy sash around the dial.  The door glass is original with the frosted decoration on the front of the glass.  The dial is glossy paper, the hands appropriate.  The Welch movement runs 8 days and strikes on the hours on the large nickel bell.  I think the wings on the top finial are replacements but can’t be sure.  Regardless of who made this it’s a nice example, and you can keep the winding key and your valuables in the drawer. $250-$500.