214. $200
Birge, Mallory & Co. Patent Brass Eight Day Clock, 1838-1843. A restored “triple decker” in the style B&M used during this period (with a reverse-painted glass in middle section) and carved
half-columns and splat. The 37-inch case has been thoroughly cleaned, stained with a walnut or mahogany stain, and lightly varnished. I suspect that both doors are modern rebuilds; the three glasses are replacements, and only the dial glass is old. The middle
glass is commercially available, the lower glass was likely repainted, and subsequently broken; it is backed by cardboard and appears
stable. The wooden dial has good retention of the gilding in the rings and spandrels, little soiling, and only the slightest
losses in the center ring, which also may have been touched up. The pull-up mirror is old and sits in a pocket behind the dial,
with wire that extends through the top of the case so you can lift it to see the fancy brass movement. The hour hand is period
and correct, the minute hand a fitting replacement. Take a look at the large, strap-brass movement in this clock! The
wheels are huge, and the escape wheel is tiny. It is running and striking on a wire gong, driven by two large weights. There is a dark label behind Plexiglass on the backwall. AAC has sold a couple of clocks by this duo for $200 each. $200–$300.
Antique American Clocks JANUARY 2025