Birge & Fuller. Four Candlestick Steeple on Steeple mantel clock with wagon spring power. MM-118

This four-candlestick steeple clock is an excellent example. It was manufactured by Birge & Fuller of Bristol, Connecticut. This model is a highly collectible example because a wagon spring mechanism powers it. The movement in this clock is constructed with brass and steel, and it is designed to run for eight days and strike the hour on a wire gong. Where it differs is in the manner in which it is powered. The most common method for a clock such as this to be powered is with a coil spring. When one winds this clock, cords wrap around drums that pull on levers that tension the leaf springs. The leaf springs are secured to the bottom of the case with a large bolt. The added mechanical devices must have been very costly to produce as compared to the standard coil spring-driven movement. The wagon spring example incorporated several cast iron parts, which include leaf springs, lifting levers, hoists, and pulleys. All of this would have been an added cost. As a result, this clock probably didn't sell very well. Today, because of the limited number of clocks made and the survivability of those that did, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good examples such as this one. 

The clock case is veneered with mahogany and retains a good finish and lovely brown color. The reverse-painted tablets are original to this clock and are in excellent condition. They are decorated with delicately painted designs. As a result, one can see through them. This enables one to make out the brass chains and some of the iron tooling used in the powering of the movement. You could also see the motion of the brass pendulum bob. The dial on this clock is painted on tin and features the traditional Roman numeral time ring. The Clockmaker's label is pasted onto the backboard. It is in very good condition. 

This case is elevated on four bun feet. The overall height is 26 inches tall. The case is approximately 13.75 inches wide. This clock was made circa 1845. 

John Birge and Thomas Fuller shared a successful partnership in Bristol, Connecticut, from 1844 through 1848. They made many steeple clocks with a large variation of movements. 

Inventory number TT-86.