61.             $175

Birge, Mallory & Co. Patent Brass Eight Day Clock, 1838-1843.  We can’t be sure this is Birge, Mallory & Co. because the label is lost, but the strap-brass movement with side-arm and the triple decker style are consistent with other clocks from this firm (see here, here, and here).  The 37.5-inch tall case is remarkably original, except for the two repainted tablets (Moberg) on the old/original glass.  The mahogany veneer is complete with no chips or losses, and an old finish.  The gesso ‘horns of plenty’ splat retains the original gilding in good condition; the six side columns also retain their original gilding, with light wear, and the faux marbling on the columns looks original as well.  You don’t often see that much originality, in good condition, on these clocks.  The dial glass and the bottom glass are original (the tablet was repainted in the door).  The clock stands on turned and gilded feet in front and turned feet in back; again, it all seems original.  The large, extensively gilded dial is seriously stained and soiled, and will require significant effort to clean up.  The hands are modern replacements; the pull-up mirror is original.  The strap-brass 8-day, time-and-strike movement is unsigned, which is typical.  It is running and striking on an iron bell with a great tone, driven by two proper weights and regulated by a period pendulum.  All that is missing is the label.  This is one of the nicest and most original examples of these clocks that I have come across.  If only the tablets...  AAC typically sells these clocks for about $200.  $175–$250.