Asa Munger Mahogany Shelf Clock

Auburn, New York, circa 1830. Overhanging cornice with gilt acorn drops, ring and ball-turned columns. Original reverse-painted glass with four gilt ships on black, mirror below. Original dial and hands. Weight-driven brass time-only movement. Original label. Original eagle pendulum.

Note: Advertised by Asa Munger in 1818 as one of his “Brass Eight Day Clocks made by his own hand,” these Federal flat-top wall and shelf clocks with pewter plate timepiece movements and cases with drop acorns and looking glasses are among the first models Munger produced at Auburn, NY. A small handful are extant, and this clock, among all of the early Munger clocks, is the only one known with this earliest label, which states Munger and Gillmore’s / Patent Time Pieces / (Warranted) / Wholesale and Retail / Auburn. Efforts over many years by many researchers have yet to yield the identity of Mr. Gillmore.