Description
Asa Munger & Co. shelf clock, 1824-1829. A second fine example of Munger’s most common shelf clock. This example was made prior to 1829, as the printer on the card label is Richard Oliphant, who sold his printing business to his brother Henry in 1829. Further evidence of this earlier manufacture includes the Arabic numbers on the dial and the finely carved steel and brass hands found on Munger’s earlier clocks. The refinished mahogany case is 39.5 inches tall, again with carved columns; the figured panels at the top are more evident on this example. The dial glass is modern, the mirror period/original. The etched zinc dial surround is a single color as found on early examples. The metal dial is original but the paint is badly crazed and soiled; it has Arabic numerals, as noted, and is not signed. The hands are Munger’s, including the seconds hand. The brass 8-day time-and-strike movement is not numbered; the 10-lb replacement weights are sufficient drive the time side but the strike side is sluggish. The obligatory flying eagle gilded lead pendulum bob regulates the clock. Both the suspended case pulleys and the weight pulleys are pewter and original. The colorful wallpaper is in good condition, with a good label. Another better-than-average example. $500–$750.
Record courtesy of AntiqueAmericanClocks.com