Munger & Benedict Mahogany Shelf Clock

Asa Munger shelf clock

Description

A 19th century Asa Munger (Munger’s Patent) shelf clock. 8 day time and strike weight driven Brass movement with painted metal dial. Mahogany case with shaped “Ironing Board” top, single door with reverse painted upper and mirrored lower glasses, flanked by carved half columns. Refinished in good condition, repainted dial and upper door glass, partial label. 39 1/2″ high. ESTIMATE $600-800

Condition

Refinished in good condition, repainted dial and upper door glass, partial label.

ASA Munger Ironing Board Top Shelf Clock

Description

American. 19th Century. Asa Munger mahogany 8 Day column or ironing board shelf clock with a time and strike movement; a painted steel dial with 2nds bit; an interior paper label; the weights and the key. The glass in the upper portion of the door has a chipped ice effect. The mahogany veneer case with carved half columns; circa 1830’s, Auburn, N.Y. with original 9″ dial and original interior label. Time and bell striking. This case form is often called a “Flattop” or an “Ironing Board Top” carved column and cornice wall or shelf timepiece. Height 39.5″, width 22.3″, depth 8.25”. Asa Munger was born in Granby, Massachusetts on October 14, 1777. He grew up in Ludlow, MA as the oldest of fifteen siblings. The firm Munger & Benedict, is thought to have been one of if not the first to sign a labor contract with a state penitentiary. This was for the use of convict labor. The firm Munger & Co., was comprised of Asa Munger, Thaddeus Benedict and Clarke Beers Hotchkiss and used prison labor in the construction of their clocks. Munger left this venture in 1834. Hotchkiss and Benedict continued. Munger continued to operate a jewelry store business and clock operation. In March 1851, Asa Munger passes away.

Munger & Benedict Mahogany Shelf Clock, Auburn, Ne

Description

Munger & Benedict Mahogany Shelf Clock, Auburn, New York, c. 1831-33, turned and carved half-columns flanking the full-length door with looking glass and blue tin dial surround, painted iron dial signed Warranted by Munger & Benedict/Auburn, N-Y., with Roman numerals and moon hands, stenciled front edge of cornice board, wallpapered interior and 5 1/4 x 4-in. printed label stating A. Munger’s Patent Eight-day Brass Clocks/Made, Warranted & Sold/Wholesale and Retail by Munger & Benedict/Auburn N.Y., eight-day, time and strike brass movement with two iron weights and cast pewter eagle finial bob, ht. 38 1/2 in.

Condition

Condition: case with old rich patine, dial surround putty refreshed, dial glass a replacement, dial excellent, looking glass and label are undisturbed, period weights and pendulum bob.