Birge, Peck & Co., of Bristol, Connecticut. A true "Triple Decker" mantel or shelf clock. SS-168.

This colorful triple-decker mantel clock is in excellent original condition. The case measures approximately 36.25 inches tall, 15.75 inches wide, and 5.25 inches deep. Many triple-deckers are built on a larger, more masculine scale. This example is quite nice and is manageable in stature. The large size was determined by the weight fall. At this height, the weights have enough room to run the clock for eight days before it needs to be rewound. The case is visually divided into three separate sections. The lower panels are paint decorated for the back. The artwork is in exceptional condition. They are William Fenn designs. The upper section is fitted with a door that provides access to the dial. The case is elevated on turned wooden feet that are finished in gilt. The columns are also decorated with gilt work. The center sections of four of them featured a painted smoke decoration. At the top of the case is a gallery. The carved eagle applied to the splat is the predominant decorative feature. Its wing stretch over some additional smoke decoration.

The dial is painted on tin and features floral themes in the corners. The center of the dial has an open cutout. This clock was made during the transition from wooden movements to more reliable brass designs. This cutout allowed one to visually notice that this clock was not wooden geared and that it featured the latest brass technology.

The movement in this clock is constructed in brass. The plates are formed by riveting straps of brass together. The gearing is located between the two frames. This is a time-and-strike design. It is weight powered and will run for eight days on a full wind. It will strike each hour on the hour. (The photo of the movement was taken before the movement was cleaned and overhauled.) The Clockmaker's pasted label can be viewed by opening the lower door. It is located on the backboard. It is in wonderful original condition.

This super clock is a survivor. It is in outstanding original condition. Clocks like this one were intended to sit on a wall shelf, mantel, or on top of a piece of furniture. This example was made circa 1845.

John Birge, Ambrose Peck, Samuel Taylor, and William R. Richards were business partners and shared a successful partnership in Bristol, Connecticut, from 1844 through 1848. They also made a large number of steeple clocks with a variation of movement formats.

Inventory number SS-168.