64.             $500

Munger & Benedict “Patent Eight-day Brass Clock”, 1831-1833.  Asa and Thaddeus formed a partnership in 1825 and started including Benedict on the label in 1831.  The 40-inch-tall case has a very old, possibly original finish, and is grungy (or, if you prefer, heavily patinated).  The door frames have been cleaned, not completely, but the mahogany grain is again visible; note the original decorative floral glass pieces on either side of the upper section, as well as the carved splat with the original gilding on the chimney rosettes, the center basket, and the center upright leaf.  The large glass door knobs are typical of Munger & Benedict, and there are claw feet in front and turned feet in back.  The dial glass and reverse-painted dial surround are original, with a long crack through the center.  The lower mirror, with the cut-out to view the pendulum and painted interior background, and the decorative cut-outs in the corners, are likely original.  The large iron dial is mounted to the movement; it holds the original paint in very good condition and a great signature below the mainstem.  The three hands are correct.  The 8-day time-and-strike movement is not signed or marked that I can see.  It will run for a while but is out of plumb and will need adjustment; it strikes on the hours on the overhead bell and is functional.  There are two 8-lb weights and the original flying eagle gilded lead pendulum; the weights are compounded on large pewter pulleys, two of which are stamped Munger, Auburn.  The wallpaper here is commonly found M&B clocks (see here andhere).  There is an additional painted decoration in the middle of the interior that can be seen through the mirror opening – I do not know if this is original or added by a later owner, as I have not seen another example like this.  There is a good label above the decoration.   AAC has sold two Munger & Benedict clocks, for $1100 and $1250.  $500–$1200.