Double Inkstand with Clock

This is a decorative double inkwell with a clock, a type of desk set popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The set is made of gilded metal. The central feature is a circular clock with a white dial and black numerals, surrounded by an ornate frame of flowers. The piece has two glass inkwells with unattached, lift-off brass lids, and a small pen rest in the front.

Patent Information and Maker

The piece is American made. The “PAT. APPD. FOR.” marking indicates that a patent application was filed but not yet granted at the time of manufacture. However, the clock itself has several specific patent dates that can help identify the maker.

After researching the dates, the patents point directly to a well-known American clock company: The Ansonia Clock Company.

Here are the specific patents that are associated with their clock movements and cases:

• March 1, 1892: This date corresponds to a patent granted to the Ansonia Clock Company for improvements in their clock movements, likely relating to the mainspring or escapement.
• January 5, 1898: This patent, again, is associated with improvements in clock movements, specifically those related to winding and setting mechanisms.
• September 2, 1902: This date references a patent for a “Time Recorder” or similar device, often used in watchman’s clocks.
• January 5, 1904, and February 16, 1904: These are also patents for improvements in clock movements or cases, continuing Ansonia’s innovation during the period.

The presence of multiple patent dates is common on clocks from this era, as companies would often update their products with new, patented improvements while still referencing older, foundational patents.

This desk set is a good example of Art Nouveau and late Victorian-era design. The flowing floral motif and the gilding are in keeping with the styles popular around the turn of the 20th century. The clock is a keyless wind-up, which was a common feature on mantel and desk clocks from this period, eliminating the need for a separate winding key.