Antique American Clocks January 2020
84. $7500
Asa Munger “Stovepipe” shelf clock, ca. 1830. I can find five examples of this model,
this being the sixth. The “stovepipes” are the columns on each side, made of metal and elaborately painted; I believe these
have been professionally repainted. The elongated round weights are compounded and hang from pulleys at the top of the case. There are carved ornaments and capitals, a carved crest, and two pineapple finials. The door over the dial opens to give access
to the movement from the front; there is also a tin cover over an opening on the back. Nonetheless, access is difficult, including
threading the cord over the pulleys (the pulleys do not match – the original one is pewter, the replacement has spokes). The
lower door is often a single mirror; here it is two eglomise paintings protected by a wooden cover. I imagine the upper painting
is original, while the lower painting seems like a replacement, but it is still quite old. The upper tablet is peeling badly
(it looks like an emergency to me!). The metal dial is mounted on the brass 8-day time-and-strike movement; it has the Munger
trademark seconds hand (literally), but the dial does not show a signature or even the remains of one. The winding drums are
pewter. The hands appear to be original, the dial glass is not. The weights are proper, the flying eagle pendulum, also
a Munger trademark, is very old and worn. The label is a photocopy of what should be there on top of the wallpaper dust cover,
the remnants of which can be seen at the top of the opening. The wooden ring that holds the right stovepipe in place is broken,
has been glued, and will need more. The clock runs without problem, striking the bell over the movement on the hours. It is 40 inches tall and 19.5 inches wide. Three recent sales on LiveAuctioneers for $9000, $17,000, and $34,000. $9,000-$15,000.
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