67.              $150

Birge & Fuller “Patent Brass Eight Day Clock”, 1844-1848.  This was probably John Birge’s most successful of many firms, best known for making the highly popular “double steeples” (e.g., #83).  They also made triple deckers in various formats, as well as a single-door, two-column clock that is somewhat less common.  This firm was formed when Birge, Mallory & Co. broke up, leaving Thomas Fuller and Birge to continue; indeed, the movement in this clock is stamped “BM & Co”, left over from the previous firm.  Lee Davis has noted that later B&F clocks used a redesigned and smaller strap brass movement, probably as an economic savings move (Davis, NAWCC Bulletin, August 1997, page 431).  The 37.5-inch case is veneered in mahogany with a clean refinish; the columns are veneered in flame mahogany, as are the corbels and lower sides of the case.  The case stands on ball feet in front and turned feet in back.  The dial glass is old, the mirror is old and possibly original, with cardboard backing, and the lower glass is period with a well-retained tablet.  The wooden dial has been repainted, the hands are period substitutes.  The 8-day time-and-strike brass strap movement with sidearm is dirty and reluctant to run or strike.  There are two proper cast iron weights and a period embossed pendulum bob, and a darkly toned and tattered label that has been varnished and taped down to protect and retain it.  A good-looking example, notable for the lower door tablet.  $150–$300.