31.                   $500

Asa Munger & Co. shelf clock, 1829-1833.  The reference you need to assess this clock is “Asa Munger’s Shelf Clocks” by F. H. McMillan in the NAWCC Bulletin, No. 125, page 571, Dec 1966.  Members can read the article here.  This is an outstanding example of this iconic clock made by New York’s most famous clockmaker.  The flat-top case is 39 inches tall with fluted edges on the top and carved half-columns on each side, and an old finish that could be original.  The dial glass is period/original, the mirror a later replacement.  Behind the dial glass is a zinc sheet with Munger’s unique etched and colored background.  As a kid I kept tropical fish and always used Crystal Craze to form a similar background on the back of the tank.  I can’t help but think about that when I see one of these clocks, as the effect is very similar.  The metal dial retains the original paint with Munger’s warranty statement; the thick brass hands are original and were used on some of his clocks.  The dial is pinned to the movement with three posts.  The brass 8-day, time and passing-strike movement is numbered 282; the bell hammer is numbered 1833, which may indicate the year of manufacture.  The 10-lb iron weights are original, approximately 10 inches long, and are compounded on Munger’s pewter pulleys stamped “Patent Auburn”.   These pulleys and weights are often missing from these clocks. The clock will run for a while and strikes on the hours.  The eagle pendulum bob is lead; note that the label on the backwall refers to the “eagle” in the instructions on adjusting the rate.  The label was printed by Henry Oliphant, dating the clock to the early 1830’s.  The interior retains the colorful wallpaper Munger favored; the case pulleys in the top of the case are brass replacements.  This is the best example of this model I have seen; AAC sold a similar example last summer for $617.  $500–$750.